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

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

That’s by design: If another Great Depression struck, Social Security would, ideally, still be there.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026

De Zerbi omitted the name of the player by design - but it will leave Spurs fans guessing as to who it could be.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

If the staff, decor and food all make the place sound like grandma’s house, well, that’s by design.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

The original Sesame Street was anti-narrative: it was, by design, an unconnected collection of sketches.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

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