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Synonyms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The role’s ambiguity, offering no hint of seniority or rank, is by design.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 2026

Academic experts say the system’s secrecy is by design.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

Groups including Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council have described the current approach as "homelessness by design" because they say the time provided to find a job or new housing is too short.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

It’s not by design — I like playing with people.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

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

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.