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 radio changes stations by itself and even changes some of the pre-sets.
—
John Paul, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Simply buying popular bullion products like American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs or standard gold bars typically doesn't generate an IRS report by itself, however.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
But now, the automaker will handle every single step of production by itself, from the bodywork to the finishing details.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
Now, Wall Street fears that software can do it all by itself.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for by itself
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John Paul, The Providence Journal, 20 Feb. 2026
Simply buying popular bullion products like American Gold Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs or standard gold bars typically doesn't generate an IRS report by itself, however.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026
But now, the automaker will handle every single step of production by itself, from the bodywork to the finishing details.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026
Now, Wall Street fears that software can do it all by itself.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
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 28 Feb. 2026.
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