by degrees
idiom
: very slowly : by a series of small changes
The tomatoes changed by degrees from green to red.
Examples of by degrees in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Use of force accountability is influenced by degrees of sensitivity to public sentiment and fear of reprisal, experts said.
—
Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
The moral collapse of the Republican Party proceeded by degrees.
—Francis Wilkinson, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
Keegan shows us a man turning toward his higher self, at first by degrees and then in a sudden rush.
—Pamela Newton, The Atlantic, 7 July 2024
Surreal moments The ancillary stuff all disappears by degrees now.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for by degrees 
Minnah Arshad, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024
The moral collapse of the Republican Party proceeded by degrees.
—Francis Wilkinson, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
Keegan shows us a man turning toward his higher self, at first by degrees and then in a sudden rush.
—Pamela Newton, The Atlantic, 7 July 2024
Surreal moments The ancillary stuff all disappears by degrees now.
—Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 1 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for by degrees
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'by degrees.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near by degrees
Cite this Entry
“By degrees.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20degrees. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share