let alone

1 of 2

conjunction

Synonyms of let alonenext
: to say nothing of : not to mention
used especially to emphasize the improbability of a contrasting example
… he would never walk again, let alone play golf.Sports Illus.
how many ever see an Ambassador or Minister, let alone a PresidentRobert Lacville

let alone

2 of 2

phrase

: to leave undisturbed
let the flowers alone
also : to leave to oneself
wanted to be let alone

Synonyms of let alone

Examples of let alone in a Sentence

Conjunction I don't have enough money for a new car, let alone a luxury sedan.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Conjunction
Pars were difficult to come by, let alone birdies. Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 8 June 2026 The fact is, the galaxy would feel like an emptier place deprived of any of those octaves, let alone all four of them. Chris Willman, Variety, 7 June 2026 Ridgway also alleged many of his critics don’t have children — let alone children with disabilities. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 5 June 2026 The offense so rarely gives everyone else a night off — so rarely allows for a bullpen or starting rotation to endure even the shortest of slumps, let alone the kind of slump the Royals’ bullpen has endured this year. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for let alone

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of let alone was in 1765

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let alone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20alone. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

let alone

conjunction
: to say nothing of : not to mention
lacked the courage, let alone the know-how
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