or else
idiom
1
—used to say what will happen if something is not done
You have to leave or else you will be arrested for trespassing.
2
—used to say what another possibility is
He either thinks he can't do it or else he just isn't interested.
3
informal
—used in angry speech to express a threat without saying exactly what the threat is
Do what I say or else!
Examples of or else in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These movies usually follow small businesses on the verge of collapse that are saved by hidden fortunes, or else depict the monarchy as a…force for good?
—
Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2024
Reed is going to have to defeat Rollins at some point, or else, WWE runs the risk of his recent hot streak all being for naught.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
They are required to pay a licensing fee within 15 days, or else forfeit the ability to receive a license, said Sam Flynn, the executive director of the Office of Medical Cannabis.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024
Given the demographics, whoever wins will need to serve their Latino constituents — or else find themselves in trouble politically.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
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Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 22 Nov. 2024
Reed is going to have to defeat Rollins at some point, or else, WWE runs the risk of his recent hot streak all being for naught.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
They are required to pay a licensing fee within 15 days, or else forfeit the ability to receive a license, said Sam Flynn, the executive director of the Office of Medical Cannabis.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 28 Oct. 2024
Given the demographics, whoever wins will need to serve their Latino constituents — or else find themselves in trouble politically.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for or else
Dictionary Entries Near or else
Cite this Entry
“Or else.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/or%20else. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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