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
Although it’s generally not talked about in such terms, this discovery, all by itself, is easily a Nobel-worthy achievement.
—
Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 24 Sep. 2025
The key suddenly turning slowly in this lock all by itself.
—Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Layer with a stylish barn jacket for a more sophisticated look, or wear it by itself for brunch on the patio with friends.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Legal scholars say that simply seeing or ignoring a confession online is not, by itself, a crime.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
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Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 24 Sep. 2025
The key suddenly turning slowly in this lock all by itself.
—Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Layer with a stylish barn jacket for a more sophisticated look, or wear it by itself for brunch on the patio with friends.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Legal scholars say that simply seeing or ignoring a confession online is not, by itself, a crime.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2025.
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