as in else
in a different way
the candidate was gracious in his defeat, though he clearly wished the election had gone otherwise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of otherwise
This aesthetic approach is in sharp contrast to the film’s otherwise crisp digital images, courtesy of the Alexa 35, which render Las Cruces into a lyrical, longing landscape evoking entire histories, in all its deep blues and soft yet stifling oranges.
—
Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Thankfully, this card had more than its share of action, because otherwise, fans would have been highly underwhelmed.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Here Athane and Nguyen rather carelessly traffic in AIDS allegory, which clangs badly against the movie’s otherwise silly, lighthearted demeanor.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
This natural state of paralysis prevents the body from physically acting out dreams, which could otherwise lead to injury, Drerup explained.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for otherwise
Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 17 May 2026
Thankfully, this card had more than its share of action, because otherwise, fans would have been highly underwhelmed.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Here Athane and Nguyen rather carelessly traffic in AIDS allegory, which clangs badly against the movie’s otherwise silly, lighthearted demeanor.
—Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
This natural state of paralysis prevents the body from physically acting out dreams, which could otherwise lead to injury, Drerup explained.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for otherwise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for otherwise
Adverb
-
Bending down, Yara picked up the first oyster, resolving to find it, if nothing else, a decently sized saltwater tank.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Thankfully, Kristine Froseth adds pep as a bimbo who hasn’t yet learned how to talk as leadenly as everyone else.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Adverb
-
Additionally, a study of 39 participant groups in 15 countries showed that people experience the same rhythm differently depending on the culture in which they’ve been immersed.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 May 2026
-
This is a type of employment that, as Johnson lead counsel Paul McDonald has stressed, is legally distinguishable from professional employment and is structured differently (for example, student employment is exempt from FICA taxes).—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Otherwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/otherwise. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
