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
In this group, every member is required to post something or else be kicked out.
—
Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
The Trump administration is warning Massachusetts communities to stay clear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or else.
—Oscar Margain, NBC news, 16 May 2025
Any platform notified of NCII has 48 hours to remove it or else face enforcement actions from the Federal Trade Commission.
—Ashley Belanger – May 5, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2025
By rule, the ball must be fully out of the shooter’s hands before the buzzer, or else the shot doesn’t count.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for or else
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Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
The Trump administration is warning Massachusetts communities to stay clear of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations or else.
—Oscar Margain, NBC news, 16 May 2025
Any platform notified of NCII has 48 hours to remove it or else face enforcement actions from the Federal Trade Commission.
—Ashley Belanger – May 5, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2025
By rule, the ball must be fully out of the shooter’s hands before the buzzer, or else the shot doesn’t count.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for or else
Cite this Entry
“Or else.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/or%20else. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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