intelligent design

American  

noun

1. the theory that the universe and living things were designed and created by the purposeful action of an intelligent agent. ID

---

intelligent design British  

noun

1. a theory that rejects the theory of natural selection, arguing that the complexities of the universe and of all life suggest an intelligent cause in the form of a supreme creator

---

Etymology

Origin of intelligent design

First recorded in 1815–20 , but the sense may date to 1740–45

Example Sentences

“An intelligent design ensures that dramatic ocean views are seen from nearly every room of the residence, all of which open to outdoor spaces.”

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

It was reworked early in the legislative session to remove any direct mention of intelligent design before even being put in front of lawmakers.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2024

The Discovery Institute is the de facto center of intelligent design; its almost seamless movement into Brazil demonstrates the ease with which creationism has begun to weave its way into society.

From Scientific American • May 12, 2023

Yet he passionately argued against biblical literalism and other views such as intelligent design, which professes that the natural world is too complex to have developed without the guiding hand of a supreme being.

From Washington Post • Mar. 7, 2023

Earlier in the day, an unusually temperate February morning, one of Dr. Atchley’s cognitive neuroscientist students had asked him about the scientific validity of intelligent design.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel