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 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 And how does Silcott know so much about a drone that flies and kills by itself with no human controlling it? —

Sara Netzley, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2024 Sturdy job growth by itself can boost consumer purchases because more people are working. —

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024 For instance in India’s largest state of Uttar Pradesh, home just by itself to more than 230 million people, women favored the BJP by two percentage points more than men. —

Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 18 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.