otherwise

1 of 3

pronoun

oth·​er·​wise ˈə-t͟hər-ˌwīz 

: something or anything else : something to the contrary

was ordered to testify and could not do otherwise

otherwise

2 of 3

adverb

1

: in a different way or manner

… glossed over or otherwise handled …

—Playboy

All shows begin at 8:00 unless otherwise noted.

2

: in different circumstances

might otherwise have left

The test helps identify problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

3

: in other respects

… an otherwise flimsy farce …

—Current Biography

I didn't like the ending, but otherwise it was a very good book.

The patient had a foot problem, but she was otherwise healthy.

4

: if not

Let's work faster, otherwise we'll have to stay late.

Tickets can be bought in advance at a discount; otherwise they can be purchased at the door for full price.

5

: not

—paired with an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb to indicate its contrary or to suggest an indefinite alternative

… people whose deeds, admirable or otherwise …

—John Fischer

almost thirty thousand women, Irish and otherwise

—J. M. Burns

his opinion as to the success or otherwise of it

—Australian Dictionary of Biography

otherwise

3 of 3

adjective

: different

if conditions were otherwise

Synonyms of otherwise

Adverb

• else
• differently

Examples of otherwise in a Sentence

Adverb

All of the books had been burned or otherwise destroyed.

The women talked in the living room while the men were otherwise occupied.

Art allows us to express things that we would not be able to express otherwise.

Something must be wrong; otherwise, he would have called.

The test helps identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

One of the boys has a freckle on his cheek. Otherwise, the twins are nearly identical.

I didn't like the ending, but otherwise it was a very good book.

Adjective

If conditions were otherwise, I wouldn't be so worried.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The warmth of these paint colors counteracts the cool light in north-facing rooms, adds depth and character, and makes the otherwise cool spaces feel inviting. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026

But in the whirlwind world of the NFL, anything is possible, especially after an early exit from an otherwise uplifting campaign. —Mike Kaye updated January 11, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026

Adjective

The lace detailing of this look is perfectly offset by the shining satin sash and matching gloves that add an air of regalness to the otherwise sultry ensemble. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026

Yellow and reds can cut through the otherwise tans and browns of the surrounding landscape. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 6 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Pronoun, Adverb, and Adjective

Middle English, from Old English (on) ōthre wīsan in another manner

First Known Use

Pronoun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing otherwise

• and otherwise
• know different/otherwise
• or otherwise
• otherwise engaged
• otherwise known as

Rhymes for otherwise

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

otherwise

adverb

oth·​er·​wise

ˈə-t͟hər-ˌwīz

1

: in a different way : differently

could not do otherwise

2

: in different circumstances

otherwise we might have won

3

: in other respects

the otherwise busy street