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

The #MeToo movement offers proof that a culture can change — slowly and by degrees.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2023

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

I heard the rain still beating continuously on the staircase window, and the wind howling in the grove behind the hall; I grew by degrees cold as a stone, and then my courage sank.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë