with·out
wi-ˈt͟hau̇t 
-ˈthau̇t
-ˈthau̇t
1
: outside
2
—used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone
fight without fear
left without him
looks without seeing
1
: on the outside : externally
2
: with something lacking or absent
has learned to do without
chiefly dialectal
: unless
you don't know about me without you have read a book—
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
: an outer place or area
came from without
Examples of without in a Sentence
Preposition
Do you take your coffee with or without sugar?
Don't leave home without your wallet.
Without water, there would be no life on Earth.
I can't imagine life without a car.
It happened suddenly and without warning.
The prisoner will be held without bail until his trial.
These cookies are made without flour.
Try doing the math without a calculator.
I can't see you without my glasses.
Adverb
Do you take your coffee with sugar or without?
Recent Examples on the Web
Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
According to San Diego’s Acting Chief Innovation Officer Alexander Hempton, Mayor Gloria is urging his team to use this moment of financial strain as an opportunity to propose new ideas and work in new ways without sacrificing effectiveness.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
Baltimore because the first team in NFL history to score 40 points in each of its first two games without winning both.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
However, the measure failed to pass in the Senate without Democratic support to meet the 60-vote threshold.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for without
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.
Preposition
Whether or not that path will continue to be forged without Kirk’s bravado and formidable presence, and who will officially take his place atop Turning Point remains unknown.
—Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2025
According to San Diego’s Acting Chief Innovation Officer Alexander Hempton, Mayor Gloria is urging his team to use this moment of financial strain as an opportunity to propose new ideas and work in new ways without sacrificing effectiveness.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
Baltimore because the first team in NFL history to score 40 points in each of its first two games without winning both.
—Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
However, the measure failed to pass in the Senate without Democratic support to meet the 60-vote threshold.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for without
Cite this Entry
“Without.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/without. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
without
1 of 3 preposition
with·out
wit͟h-ˈau̇t
with-
with-
1
a
: outside entry 4 sense 1
they stood without the castle gates
b
: out of the range or limits of
not without our capabilities
2
a
: not having : in the absence of
without food
b
: not accompanied by or showing
spoke without thinking
without
2 of 3 adverb1
: on the outside
2
: with something lacking or absent
learn to do without
without
3 of 3 noun
: an outer place or area
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share