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
The task force, by itself, can only make recommendations.
—
Paula Wethington, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
The stills/movie toggle switch rounds out the top controls, all by itself on the left side.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
The only question was whether her status as a former minister of a religious organization by itself necessarily barred her wage-and-hour claims.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025
Consider the Rest of Your Meal Gravy isn't often eat by itself.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
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Paula Wethington, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025
The stills/movie toggle switch rounds out the top controls, all by itself on the left side.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
The only question was whether her status as a former minister of a religious organization by itself necessarily barred her wage-and-hour claims.
—Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025
Consider the Rest of Your Meal Gravy isn't often eat by itself.
—Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 25 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 20 Dec. 2025.
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