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 Giants have to be humming in Week 1 right out of the gate — or else.
—
Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
Add crushed ice two-thirds or so full and agitate (either swizzle back and forth with a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, or else just stir) until the glass begins to frost.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
De Paul would have to arrive either on a fee plus salary that totals approximately $850,000 for 2025, or else a DP spot would have to open up.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The letters warned them to not retaliate by increasing their own import taxes, or else the Trump administration would further increase tariffs.
—arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for or else
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Pat Leonard, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
Add crushed ice two-thirds or so full and agitate (either swizzle back and forth with a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, or else just stir) until the glass begins to frost.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
De Paul would have to arrive either on a fee plus salary that totals approximately $850,000 for 2025, or else a DP spot would have to open up.
—Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The letters warned them to not retaliate by increasing their own import taxes, or else the Trump administration would further increase tariffs.
—arkansasonline.com, 8 July 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 21 Jul. 2025.
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