by degrees

phrase

Synonyms of by degreesnext
: very slowly : by a series of small changes
The tomatoes changed by degrees from green to red.

Examples of by degrees in a Sentence

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His method is often to approach cultural or political phenomena, progressive or reactionary, with a mix of Gen X irony and sincere moralism which, by degrees, subtly shifts the frame of the discourse to the right. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 The descent into crisis-club territory usually happens by degrees, a malaise that accumulates slowly as one poor performance follows another. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026 Once the media sticks its oar in, the real reason for the robbery emerges by degrees. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2026 When all are well mixed, pour on the boiling Ale by degrees, beating up the mixture continually; then pour it rapidly backward and forward from one jug to another, keeping one jug raised high above the other; till the flip is smooth and finely frothed. — Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by degrees

Rhymes for by degrees

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Cite this Entry

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

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