by numbers

phrase

: in a way that follows the rules or instructions but that is not interesting or original
Dancing by numbers isn't good enough. You have to really feel the music.

Examples of by numbers in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel doesn’t always identify booths and tables by numbers—the conventional restaurant system so the staff knows where to seat guests. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026 The talent is off the charts, backed up by numbers and bike-handling. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 1 July 2026 And once that mutation starts to spread, it’s protected by numbers since it won’t be wiped out if a few mosquitoes die by chance. — Jacob A Tennessen, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026 In today’s digital landscape, success is often determined by numbers. — Jenna Guarneri, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for by numbers

Rhymes for by numbers

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Browse Nearby Words

by no means
by numbers
BYO
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Cite this Entry

“By numbers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20numbers. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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