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else

adverb
\ ˈel(t)s How to pronounce else (audio) \

Definition of else

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : in a different manner or place or at a different time how else could he have acted here and nowhere else
b : in an additional manner or place or at an additional time where else is gold found
2 : if not : otherwise leave or else you'll be sorry —used absolutely to express a threat do what I tell you or else

else

adjective

Definition of else (Entry 2 of 2)

: other:
a : being different in identity it must have been somebody else
b : being in addition what else did he say?
Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about else

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Synonyms & Antonyms for else

Synonyms: Adverb

differently, other (than), otherwise

Synonyms: Adjective

added, additional, another, farther, fresh, further, more, other

Antonyms: Adverb

likewise

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Examples of else in a Sentence

Adverb

 We decided to go someplace else for dinner. if you could do it over again, how else would you have done it?
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Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

 And then there’s the constant societal pressures: from the black community to protect and provide for family; from everyone else to dress a certain way, to talk a certain way, to do everything possible to not risk seeming aggressive. — San Francisco Chronicle, "Rashad Armstead fills a bag of French fries at his restaurant, Grammie's Down-Home Chicken, in Oakland.," 30 Aug. 2019 The arrival of America's favorite sport on television brings with it something else people love: the Sunday Night Football theme song. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "Carrie Underwood’s 'Sunday Night Football' Theme Song Is Changing Again This Year," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'else.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of else

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for else

Adverb

Middle English elles, from Old English; akin to Latin alius other, alter other of two, Greek allos other

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More Definitions for else

else

adverb
How to pronounce else (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of else

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: in a different or additional manner or place : at a different or additional time

else

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of else (Entry 2 of 2)

—used to refer to a different or additional person or thing

See the full definition for else in the English Language Learners Dictionary

else

adverb
\ ˈels How to pronounce else (audio) \

Kids Definition of else

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : in a different way or place or at a different time How else could it be done?
2 : if the facts are or were different : if not Hurry or else you'll be late.

else

adjective

Kids Definition of else (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : being other and different

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