one or the other

phrase

: one of two persons or things but not the other
One or the other of us will have to go.

Examples of one or the other in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most countries will actually experience only one or the other. — Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026 Patriotism rooted in one or the other can curdle into cynicism or nihilism when confronted with evidence that confounds them. — Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Native religious identity isn’t a matter of one or the other – many practitioners also observe Christianity. — Kerri J. Malloy, The Conversation, 9 July 2026

Rhymes for one or the other

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Browse Nearby Words

one-on-one
one or the other
one or two
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Cite this Entry

“One or the other.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/one%20or%20the%20other. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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