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Showing results for or else.
Definitions

or else

ADVERB
otherwise
Synonyms
STRONG
differently
WEAK
any other way at another time contrarily diversely elseways if not in different circumstances on the other hand or then under other conditions variously
CONJUNCTION
or
Synonyms
WEAK
as a choice as a substitute as an alternative conversely either in other words in preference to in turn on the other hand or but or only preferentially
Antonyms
WEAK
neither nor without choice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And the reality is that he needs answers quickly or else those unwanted records may no longer be his only worry.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Still more people have been surveilled and captured in DHS databases, with federal agents in some cases holding cellphones inches from their faces to scan their features, or else taking pictures of their license plates.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026

“I had to create this character or else I was going to become him.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

If I have to work, I have to downsize to a lower-scale job for health insurance, or else my wife will keep working.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Then they plunged into the fog, or else the fog rolled over them.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis