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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Those are company claims, and the successful production announced here does not by itself establish that the process can achieve those economics or operate at commercial scale. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026 In fiscal 2025, Apple's services business was about 20% of revenue — an $82 billion business all by itself. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026 The ruling by the high court is not by itself likely to affect the election, experts interviewed for this story said. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Likewise, the fact that somebody correctly anticipated an announcement and made money does not by itself prove misconduct. — Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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