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

From here on, one of the movie’s more nuanced developments is how the girl gravitates toward — or else rejects — each of her parents at different stages. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026

The invitation to join the Board states that countries must pay $1 billion for a permanent seat, or else are offered a three-year term. —Zac Anderson, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026

That’s a clear message to others to get in line and knuckle under — or else. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026

The team did not exist in 1951, or else surely another second-year QB would have led a New England revival. —Mike Sando, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026