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Synonyms

by definition

Idioms  

  1. According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the most effective now on the market. [1970s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

By definition, extreme forecasts are hard to ignore.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

By definition, the private credit market is more opaque than other lending markets and far less regulated.

From Slate • Aug. 8, 2025

By definition, the Academy Award for adapted screenplay will go to work previously created in another form.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025

By definition, between elections, a prime minister is more important and more newsworthy than a leader of the opposition.

From BBC • May 28, 2024

By definition, aesthetic is “that which concerns the beautiful.”

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.