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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.

An absentee voter would send in a copy of an ID, or else an affidavit that it can’t be obtained after “reasonable efforts.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

“We have to protect it or else we lose the art form.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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

“I get it. We have to have those moments of remembering that we’re human and thinking of regular stuff, or else the weight of this place would crush us. Like, have you seen Footloose?”

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed