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

Need some looser apparel for rounding out your loungewear collection (or else wearing to yin yoga classes)? —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

Perhaps the dog was trying to help, or else just being nosey about who else was traveling on the flight. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2025

That prompted Wallace’s apt description and her direction that the two sides come up with an agreement to ensure the convention went smoothly — or else. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025

Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass, gently drizzle the smoky scotch across the top, and garnish with something aromatically neutral like a ginger candy or else nothing at all. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025