by itself
phrase
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
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Shadow fleets and dark vessels have turned the ocean into a security problem bigger than any one country can surveil by itself.
—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
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John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
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 6 Jul. 2026.
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