by definition

ADVERB

necessarily

Synonyms

STRONGEST

automatically naturally no doubt undoubtedly unquestionably

WEAK

accordingly as a matter of course axiomatically beyond one's control by its own nature cardinally come what may compulsorily consequently exigently from within fundamentally incontrovertibly indubitably ineluctably inescapably inexorably irresistibly of course of necessity perforce positively pressingly significantly unpreventably vitally willy-nilly without fail

Antonyms

STRONGEST

doubtfully questionably

WEAK

unnecessarily

ADVERB

per se

Synonyms

WEAK

alone as such by and of itself by its very nature by itself fundamentally in essence in itself independently intrinsically of itself singularly solely virtually

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 effectiveness of strategic stocks in calming prices ultimately depends on the duration of closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as stock release is by definition an interim and short-term measure,” the chief economist says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

"He seems to believe that any good-faith disagreement with his own interpretation of the law is, by definition, illegitimate," Schwinn told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

First, scientists, by definition, don’t believe anything until it’s proven, and these things are often almost impossible to prove in the real world.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 2026

Which brings us to the fundamental problem with “squirrel-proof” feeders: Every supposedly clever mechanism is, by definition, a puzzle.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

The world of thought, belief and feeling is by definition far more difficult to decipher.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

by definition

Example Sentences

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