in stages
idiom
: in a series of separate steps rather than all at one time
The changes will be made in stages.
Examples of in stages in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While filming, Violette has to apply the makeup in stages, adding in songs, transitions and lip-synching to trending audios and songs.
—
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
These gradually raise the temperature in stages, preventing the backup heating system from kicking on.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Most companies are still stuck in stages one and two.
—Rob Thomas, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Infected people usually experience a telltale rash that appears in stages and is located on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, or near the genitals.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in stages
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.
Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
These gradually raise the temperature in stages, preventing the backup heating system from kicking on.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Most companies are still stuck in stages one and two.
—Rob Thomas, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Infected people usually experience a telltale rash that appears in stages and is located on the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth, or near the genitals.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in stages
Cite this Entry
“In stages.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20stages. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share