Synonyms

by design

Idioms

On purpose, deliberately, as in Whether by luck or by design, his application was accepted. This term, originally put as on design, uses design in the sense of “plan.” [First half of 1600s]

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.

As its organizers explained to the Guardian, this is mostly by design.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

That uncertainty is by design, according to Zephyr Teachout, a Fordham University law professor.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

The small-group arrangement was by design, administration officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Experts say the execution of business as usual is by design.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Once the balls left the lot, they would, as if by design, search for a sewer to go down.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers

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