by degrees

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.

Sir Geoffrey said: "Both government and the BBC should seriously think about how the World Service's influence can be bolstered around the world, rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

This broke down by degrees, critically in the Sicilian Expedition of 415-413 B.C., when Athens tried and failed to annex Syracuse, a Spartan ally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Even after the Nazis invade Poland, halfway through the opening episode, things advance by degrees, so that the next worst thing can’t quite be imagined, and once imagined really believed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

That said, failing to limit screen content does open the door to harm, by degrees, so weigh that risk and your options for minimizing it, if any.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2022

So did I change, and become by degrees, without knowing, a soldier.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson