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

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026

"Disc-based entitlement checks should not prevent players from accessing their games and this is by design," Van Vliet said, originally reported by The Verge, external.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

McGrath said the new law expected later this year would "recognise children as vulnerable consumers" and that minors "must be protected by design".

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

That is by design: Changing the Constitution requires a formidable consensus, starting with two-thirds of the vote in both the House and the Senate, followed by ratification by three-quarters of the states.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 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