by design

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by design

I’m a believer that politics is usually more like Veep than House of Cards; even world-changing events more often unfold by accident or luck than by design.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

Well, Tommy can do her hair but, by design, can never replace Mickey, and that conflict between Valerie and Tommy underlines her loss and her denial of Mickey’s passing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

This can all feel overwhelming at times, which is very much by design.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

Whether the vagueness of the rules are by design to leave it open to transgender women or a sign of an oversight that genuinely needs tightening up is not clear.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

Rowan had never been an exceptional student—but that was by design.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• consciously
• knowingly
• pointedly
• purposely
• studiously
• voluntarily
• willfully