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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

yeasty

play

of yeast or being unsettled or frivolous

Words at Play

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Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

The word's origins are quite literal

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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?

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.

Take the quiz

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Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

No tricks, just difficult words.

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

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Dictionary Devil

Dictionary Devil

The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?

Play the game