Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Answer: Mr. Musk announced his own $25 billion chip-manufacturing plant in Texas, called the Terafab, or else “we don’t have the chips. And we need the chips.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

One win must become two or else the significance of what happened at Murrayfield goes away like so many of the other victories over England.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

Meals that can be eaten in small portions, over time, without urgency — nothing that demands, You must eat this all right now or else — are ideal.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 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

It had already subsided some, or else he would not be as far above the water as he was.

From "Abel's Island" by William Steig