By the side of is a commonly used phrase that describes the position of an object or person situated near another object or person. There are a number of synonyms that can be used in place of this phrase, such as alongside, beside, adjacent, nearby, and next to. These synonyms all convey a similar meaning, but with slight differences in nuance. Beside, for example, can suggest a physical closeness, while alongside may describe a parallel position. Nearby may imply a close proximity, whereas adjacent emphasizes contact or touching. Each of these synonyms can be used in different contexts to express the same idea of being located next to or in close proximity to something or someone else.