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
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
The printer by itself is $1,249.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
The way Pike steals the film from the principals qualifies as a magic trick all by itself.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025
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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
The printer by itself is $1,249.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
The way Pike steals the film from the principals qualifies as a magic trick all by itself.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 11 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 29 Nov. 2025.
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