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by numbers

Definition of by numbers

: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.

Word by Word Definitions

Numbers play

: the mainly narrative fourth book of canonical Jewish and Christian Scripture — see Bible Table

See the full definition of Numbers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up by numbers? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

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WORD OF THE DAY

shofar

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a ram's-horn trumpet used in Judaism

Words at Play

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Let's Talk 'Tea'

Spill it, sip it: just make it hot.

8 Words and Phrases from Boxing and Wrestling

Common terms that come from boxing and wrestling

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The Ambiguity of Pushing 'Up' and 'Back'

When you push a meeting, where does it go?

Silent Letters

When each letter can be seen but not heard

Ask the Editors

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Don't get us started on 'bimonthly'

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

Word Games

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Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

You're going to have to memorize the dictionary again.

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

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Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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