by itself
idiom
1
: without being directly controlled by a person : automatically
The computer shuts off by itself if you haven't used it for a while.
The sprinkler will turn on by itself.
2
: with nothing nearby : alone
The house stood by itself at the end of the street.
Examples of by itself in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Oregon, which lost to Auburn by 11 on Monday, isn’t at the level of many other teams here in Las Vegas and isn’t the sort of win that by itself will secure an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament.
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Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Consider the Rest of Your Meal Gravy isn't often eat by itself.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025
This chunky herringbone necklace can be worn by itself or as a layering piece.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Platkin argued in his brief to the high court that First Choice has not shown enough evidence that issuing the subpoena by itself is enough to establish a Constitutional claim in federal court.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
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Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Consider the Rest of Your Meal Gravy isn't often eat by itself.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025
This chunky herringbone necklace can be worn by itself or as a layering piece.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2025
Platkin argued in his brief to the high court that First Choice has not shown enough evidence that issuing the subpoena by itself is enough to establish a Constitutional claim in federal court.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
Cite this Entry
“By itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20itself. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
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