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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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.
Operators will need clear rules about which decisions AI can make by itself and which must still be approved by a person. — Martin Halliwell, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026 The plane continued to fly by itself for over 11 minutes, covering about 70 miles, before crashing and causing damage to some private land. — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Technology by itself is not enough; resilience, leadership, and organizational culture serve as critical competitive differentiators. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Each of those matters, but none explains the whole moment by itself. — Frank Diana, Time, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for by itself

Rhymes for by itself

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Browse Nearby Words

by invitation only
by itself
by-job
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Cite this Entry

“By itself.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20itself. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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