or else
Idioms-
Otherwise, in different circumstances, as in Present your case now, or else you won't have a chance . [c. 1300]
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Regardless of any extenuating circumstances, no matter what, as in Be there on time or else! [Second half of 1800s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The trust may specify that all the beneficiaries have to agree to any changes, or that a panel has to concur that certain conditions are met, or else a court may have to find malfeasance.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026
My mother came out with me, Louis came out with me, my sister came out with me, and it was incredibly true: I had to be working or else I would die.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Those fault lines are much clearer now and Iraola will know that his midfield must become harder to break down or else his side will keep on conceding.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
That ruling requires public figures claiming defamation to prove speakers had “actual malice,” meaning they knew the statements were false or else acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
She either went to the library and looked at the National Geographic or else just roamed around and thought some more.
From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
