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Showing results for or else. Search instead for jordvarelse.
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.

His statement came ahead of a Friday deadline for the company to get on board with the Pentagon’s demands or else face some pretty dire consequences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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

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

“But I have to put you back now, or else I’ll get in trouble,” Omakayas said.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich