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 uncertainty about what will happen in Trump’s on-again, off-again rollout of tariffs, though, could damage the economy by itself.
—
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Dilution Keep in mind that it's not recommended to drink ACV by itself.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if well-meaning companies can make safe AIs, that doesn’t by itself stop the creation and proliferation of unsafe AIs.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
Congress should act by itself and limit the presidency’s trade powers, the Editorial Board writes.
—Adam B. Kushner, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Dilution Keep in mind that it's not recommended to drink ACV by itself.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
Even if well-meaning companies can make safe AIs, that doesn’t by itself stop the creation and proliferation of unsafe AIs.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
Congress should act by itself and limit the presidency’s trade powers, the Editorial Board writes.
—Adam B. Kushner, New York Times, 13 Apr. 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 5 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share