or else
idiom
1
—used to say what will happen if something is not done
You have to leave or else you will be arrested for trespassing.
2
—used to say what another possibility is
He either thinks he can't do it or else he just isn't interested.
3
informal
—used in angry speech to express a threat without saying exactly what the threat is
Do what I say or else!
Examples of or else in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Next 10, Aon Swing 5, or else hold onto the hope of a sponsor’s exemption.
—
Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Burchett also argued that President Donald Trump could not have been implicated in the Epstein files, as Elon Musk alleged, or else the Biden administration would have presented the information.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
Under the rule, any tax cut that adds to the deficit beyond a decade must be offset or else it is not permitted in the Senate.
—Thomas Kahn, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
The letters warned both countries to not retaliate by increasing their own import taxes, or else the Trump administration would further increase tariffs.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for or else
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Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Burchett also argued that President Donald Trump could not have been implicated in the Epstein files, as Elon Musk alleged, or else the Biden administration would have presented the information.
—Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
Under the rule, any tax cut that adds to the deficit beyond a decade must be offset or else it is not permitted in the Senate.
—Thomas Kahn, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
The letters warned both countries to not retaliate by increasing their own import taxes, or else the Trump administration would further increase tariffs.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for or else
Cite this Entry
“Or else.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/or%20else. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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