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
To speed the process, the county decided to forego federal funding and finance the project by itself.
—
Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
There’s no one story or one breaking news segment that’s going to help make a better show by itself.
—Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Shortly after the doll entered their apartment, strange and unexplained occurrences started happening, like the doll seemingly moving and changing positions by itself.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 16 July 2025
League officials urging owners to spend less also isn’t, by itself, collusion.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for by itself
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Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 2025
There’s no one story or one breaking news segment that’s going to help make a better show by itself.
—Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Shortly after the doll entered their apartment, strange and unexplained occurrences started happening, like the doll seemingly moving and changing positions by itself.
—Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 16 July 2025
League officials urging owners to spend less also isn’t, by itself, collusion.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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