or else

idiom

1

—used to say what will happen if something is not done

You have to leave or else you will be arrested for trespassing.

2

—used to say what another possibility is

He either thinks he can't do it or else he just isn't interested.

3

informal

—used in angry speech to express a threat without saying exactly what the threat is

Do what I say or else!

Examples of or else in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The idea is to make the merchandise available in tandem with its theatrical debut, or else later, as an additional marketing vector when the project streams or releases on physical media. —Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

Now the team has just a few games left to seize the division crown back and earn a first-round playoff bye or else risk a short series in the wild card round. —Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025

Vegetation cannot grow taller than 1 foot under city law or else a resident can face penalty fees up to $500. —Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025

Go ahead and find dirt on my enemies or else. —ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025