by itself
idiom
1
: without being directly controlled by a person : automatically
The computer shuts off by itself if you haven't used it for a while.
The sprinkler will turn on by itself.
2
: with nothing nearby : alone
The house stood by itself at the end of the street.
Examples of by itself in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The turtle is fitted with a satellite tracker that will eventually fall off by itself.
—
Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 16 May 2024
To me, the lesson here is that more spending — as helpful and important as that is — almost surely won’t be enough by itself.
—Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2024
The refreshingly tart flavors of grapefruit can often be overlooked when compared to the fruit’s other citrus cousins, but in the summer, grapefruit can be a wonderful addition to salads, smoothies, or even simply enjoyed by itself.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
Some analysts say China would be unable to run the factories by itself, and their supply chain is so dependent on global sourcing, that an invasion would be an own goal, undermining China’s own industrial base.
—Peter Green, Quartz, 11 May 2024
Sequestered in a wing by itself is a primary suite holding a walk-in closet and a bath equipped with dual vanities and a combination tub/shower.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
Yet hate, by itself, would not have caused the Holocaust.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 May 2024
Fennel isn't a good companion for most garden vegetables and should be grown in a little patch or pot by itself.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 2 May 2024
Buy the Vista by itself or pair it with one of the company’s handwoven and strong hammocks, which seamlessly hook onto the chair.
—Sarah Garone, Parents, 28 Apr. 2024
Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 16 May 2024
To me, the lesson here is that more spending — as helpful and important as that is — almost surely won’t be enough by itself.
—Jens Ludwig, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2024
The refreshingly tart flavors of grapefruit can often be overlooked when compared to the fruit’s other citrus cousins, but in the summer, grapefruit can be a wonderful addition to salads, smoothies, or even simply enjoyed by itself.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 May 2024
Some analysts say China would be unable to run the factories by itself, and their supply chain is so dependent on global sourcing, that an invasion would be an own goal, undermining China’s own industrial base.
—Peter Green, Quartz, 11 May 2024
Sequestered in a wing by itself is a primary suite holding a walk-in closet and a bath equipped with dual vanities and a combination tub/shower.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 May 2024
Yet hate, by itself, would not have caused the Holocaust.
—The Editors, National Review, 9 May 2024
Fennel isn't a good companion for most garden vegetables and should be grown in a little patch or pot by itself.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 2 May 2024
Buy the Vista by itself or pair it with one of the company’s handwoven and strong hammocks, which seamlessly hook onto the chair.
—Sarah Garone, Parents, 28 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'by itself.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near by itself
Cite this Entry
“By itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20itself. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share