or else

Part of Speech:

All (2) Adverb (1) Conjunction (1)

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otherwise adv.
or conj.

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

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.

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or else

My mother came out with me, Louis came out with me, my sister came out with me, and it was incredibly true: I had to be working or else I would die.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

If we must open ourselves up to books, are there any that either ameliorate this danger, or else make reading them worthwhile?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

Either shares of semiconductors and other AI infrastructure plays would be up, or else it would be the “Magnificent Seven” and everything else.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 16, 2026

However, as C.K.’s supporters love to point out, he was never charged with anything, and even he knows he’d better mind that gap or else.

From Salon ● Jul. 3, 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

or else

Example Sentences

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