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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This domestic migration does not by itself prove that the United States is in fiscal dominance. — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 That means finding a detectable pesticide residue on a blueberry does not, by itself, establish that eating the blueberry poses a health risk. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 15 Aug. 2026 Sometimes workers would be startled by the sight of a machine moving by itself and realize it was being controlled by someone in Turkey. — Jesse Coburn, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026 The haunting 56-second clip begins with a theater curtain opening to reveal a nearly empty stage with just a piano and the C key playing repeatedly by itself. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 11 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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