by half

phrase

Synonyms of by halfnext
: by a great deal
too clever by half

Examples of by half in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Keith Andrews’ first game as a manager, Brentford were 3-0 down to Nottingham Forest by half-time, eventually losing 3-1. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Continue to cook until the wine has reduced by half, about 2 more minutes. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is continuing his fight against social media's negative impacts on children, now suing Snapchat, which, according to the Pew Research Center, is used by half of American teens every day. — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 According to workers, the company had offered a 20% raise over five years in exchange for eliminating retirement benefits and cutting sick leave by half. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by half

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by half was in the 15th century

Rhymes for by half

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Browse Nearby Words

by gum
by half
by halves
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Cite this Entry

“By half.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20half. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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