by virtue of

phrase

variants or in virtue of
Synonyms of by virtue ofnext
: through the force of : by authority of
She has the right to participate by virtue of her status as a former employee.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of by virtue of was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“By virtue of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20virtue%20of. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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