or otherwise

phrase

—used to refer to something that is different from something already mentioned
Intentionally or otherwise, they never told her about the party.

Examples of or otherwise in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This can create a tricky situation if those roots are causing havoc around your home’s foundation or otherwise disrupting your landscaping. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 The number of college students who returned to school after being in the labor market or otherwise out of school grew by 30% from 2006 to 2010, per Census data. — Sarah Jackson jennifer Liu, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 Yahoo is not a sponsor of, administrator of, or otherwise affiliated with this Competition. — The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 Trump has repeatedly threatened to invade Kharg Island or otherwise broaden military operations throughout the conflict as Tehran has continued launching missiles and drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. — Carter Schroppe, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for or otherwise

Rhymes for or otherwise

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Browse Nearby Words

Orosius
or otherwise
Orotiña
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Or otherwise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/or%20otherwise. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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