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 surf capital of Ericeira has quite a lot going on by itself, but elsewhere in the region, the gems are a bit more spread out.
—
Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Other times, the film feels too coy, as if embarrassed by itself.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
The city of Chicago by itself has more than 100 Walgreens stores, by far the most of any U.S. city.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
However, Stockton said a short-term dip below the 200-day moving average is not by itself a major cause for concern.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
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Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Other times, the film feels too coy, as if embarrassed by itself.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
The city of Chicago by itself has more than 100 Walgreens stores, by far the most of any U.S. city.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
However, Stockton said a short-term dip below the 200-day moving average is not by itself a major cause for concern.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
Cite this Entry
“By itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20itself. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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