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Dictionary.com

by this time

ADVERB
already
Synonyms
STRONGEST
before earlier once previously then
WEAK
as of now at present before now but now by now by that time by the time mentioned by then even now formerly heretofore in the past just now now up to now
Antonyms
STRONGEST
later

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, by this time, the Pentagon had already embarked on its crash missile buildup.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

That’s less than 1% lower than the 1,921,840 who had enrolled by this time last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

Prices touched $4,500 per ounce on Tuesday, and Goldman Sachs sees a rise to $4,900 by this time next year, with J.P.

From Barron's • Dec. 23, 2025

The British journalist and biographer had by this time been a thorn in the side of Anglophone Christianity for two decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

Just you wait, by this time next year we’ll be able to take perfect shorthand.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank