by definition

Idioms and Phrases

According to prior determination, as a given. For example, This antibiotic is by definition the most effective now on the market . [1970s]

Example Sentences

Pre-election polls are never good at — nor were they designed to be good at — predicting turnout, and by definition can’t account for late deciders.

From Salon

By definition, that meant there would be no primaries, open to popular Democrats like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

From Los Angeles Times

And TV news is always, by definition, presenting a limited version of whatever we're talking about.

From Salon

Johnson confirmed later that there is a secret “that might help Donald Trump,” but noted that “by definition, a secret is not to be shared—and I don’t intend to share this one.”

From Slate

“By definition, a secret is not to be shared — and I don’t intend to share this one,” the Louisiana Congressman told The Times.

From Salon

Related Words

• automatically
• naturally
• no doubt
• undoubtedly
• unquestionably