by numbers
idiom
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Growth in the franchise industry is often measured by numbers: units sold, markets entered, deals closed.
—
Don Tarinelli, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Identified only by numbers, the custodial droids are a nice touch.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
But also not to be put off by numbers and competition, that's so easily done now, by social media, peer pressure, likes and the modern day following count, none of that at all.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2025
Each pixel is defined by numbers representing color and position.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for by numbers
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Don Tarinelli, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Identified only by numbers, the custodial droids are a nice touch.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
But also not to be put off by numbers and competition, that's so easily done now, by social media, peer pressure, likes and the modern day following count, none of that at all.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 July 2025
Each pixel is defined by numbers representing color and position.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for by numbers
Cite this Entry
“By numbers.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20numbers. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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