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
Jacob Becchina, a police spokesperson, said that ShotSpotter isn’t something that reduces crime by itself, but instead serves as a tool for investigators.
—
Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
Can my credit limit increase by itself?
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
But removing a dictator, by itself, is not liberation.
—Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Nguyen estimated the card was worth $100,000 by itself.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
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Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
Can my credit limit increase by itself?
—Ryley Amond, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
But removing a dictator, by itself, is not liberation.
—Rick Singh, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Nguyen estimated the card was worth $100,000 by itself.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 8 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 2026.
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