by itself

phrase

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

With nearly every dish on a Thanksgiving table being on the savory side, this sweet one balances them out all by itself. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 7 Nov. 2026

However, further military escalation by itself is not a strategy, especially if such action results in prolonging a destabilizing stalemate. — Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 4 Nov. 2026

Nothing more than a reminder that the quotidian world around us can be a hymn all by itself. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Likewise, speaking against the killing of civilians in Gaza or calling for a ceasefire does not, by itself, establish antisemitism. — Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for by itself

• ourself
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself
• yourself
• elf