by itself

idiom

: 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.

: 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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Even a rocker in the corner was moved bedside during the night and seen rocking by itself by former guests. —

Julie Jordan, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024 No surprise that all three Avengers movies are there, plus Civil War, which was sort of a mini Avengers movie by itself. —

Paul Tassi, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Impressively, the electric motor delivers 325 lb-ft by itself, meaning the two-row SUV feels quick in Electric drive mode, obviously quicker than when matting the accelerator in Hybrid or Sport mode. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 It can be found by itself or as a combination product with other amino acids or compounds. —

Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for by itself