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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by design

And it turns out that was by design rather than mistake.

From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026

This is by design, as our progressive tax system has rungs with a top and a bottom, and different inputs — like the standard deduction — that affect how much tax people pay.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 5, 2026

"In some cases, the satellite photos clearly show that fire starts inside, but we cannot say whether it's by design or whether it's accidental," he told AFP.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

There’s no hope in “Digger,” only a seductive, mischievous malevolence that, by design, feels empty as soon as the end credits roll.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

In any case, shortly after Ruess carved his mark into the sandstone, he departed Davis Gulch and mysteriously disappeared, apparently by design.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

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

---