otherwise
pronoun
oth·er·wise
| \ ˈə-t͟hər-ˌwīz
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Definition of otherwise
(Entry 1 of 3)
: something or anything else : something to the contrary
was ordered to testify and could not do otherwise
otherwise
adverbDefinition of otherwise (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: in a different way or manner
glossed over or otherwise handled — Playboy All shows begin at 8:00 unless otherwise noted.
2
: in different circumstances
might otherwise have left The test helps identify problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
3
: in other respects
an otherwise flimsy farce — Current Biography I didn't like the ending, but otherwise it was a very good book. The patient had a foot problem, but she was otherwise healthy.
4
: if not
do what I tell you, otherwise you'll be sorry Tickets can be bought in advance at a discount; otherwise they can be purchased at the door for full price.
5
: not
—paired with an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb to indicate its contrary or to suggest an indefinite alternative people whose deeds, admirable or otherwise— John Fischeralmost thirty thousand women, Irish and otherwise— J. M. Burnshis opinion as to the success or otherwise of it — Australian Dictionary of Biography
otherwise
adjectiveDefinition of otherwise (Entry 3 of 3)
: different
if conditions were otherwise
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Synonyms & Antonyms for otherwise
Synonyms: Adverb
differently, else, other (than)
Antonyms: Adverb
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Examples of otherwise in a Sentence
Adverb
All of the books had been burned or otherwise destroyed. The women talked in the living room while the men were otherwise occupied. Art allows us to express things that we would not be able to express otherwise. Something must be wrong; otherwise, he would have called. The test helps identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. One of the boys has a freckle on his cheek. Otherwise, the twins are nearly identical. I didn't like the ending, but otherwise it was a very good book.Adjective
If conditions were otherwise, I wouldn't be so worried.
Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
All were men in Florida or North Carolina who died in falls or by electrocution while trimming trees, putting up storm shutters or otherwise getting ready for the hurricane. — Washington Post, "Dorian’s floodwaters trap people in attics in North Carolina," 6 Sep. 2019 All of them involved men who died in falls or by electrocution while trimming trees, putting up storm shutters or otherwise getting ready for the hurricane. — Meg Kinnard, Twin Cities, "Hurricane Dorian rakes Carolinas as it moves up the coast," 4 Sep. 2019 First things first, Gomantong is home to more than two million bats, which leads to impossibly thick layers of guano (otherwise known as bat poop) covering the ground. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 The motorized bikes are popular with commuters and aging baby boomers who might not otherwise get out on a bicycle. — NBC News, "Electric bikes may soon be humming along national park trails," 2 Sep. 2019 But otherwise, enjoy them for the season and replant next year. — Arricca Elin Sansone, House Beautiful, "How to Plant Chrysanthemums," 26 Aug. 2019 Food was the obvious pleasurable and approachable medium for exploring new perspectives on dense topics that can otherwise feel alienating, uncomfortable, or complex to discuss. — Vogue, "Who Speaks for the Bees? An Environmental Art Dinner Raises the Question," 20 Aug. 2019 His goal in broadcasting the debate was to draw other people in, especially ones who might not otherwise know the debate was taking place. — Bijan Stephen, The Verge, "Twitch handed out 24-hour suspensions after last night’s Democratic debates," 1 Aug. 2019 The court said Ginsburg canceled an annual summer visit to Santa Fe but otherwise has maintained an active schedule during treatment. — Jessica Gresko, The Denver Post, "Ginsburg treated for tumor on pancreas, Supreme Court says," 23 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'otherwise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for otherwise
otherwise
adverbEnglish Language Learners Definition of otherwise
(Entry 1 of 2)
: in a different way or manner
: if something did not happen, was not true, etc.
: in all ways except the one mentioned
otherwise
adjectiveEnglish Language Learners Definition of otherwise (Entry 2 of 2)
: not the same
See the full definition for otherwise in the English Language Learners Dictionary
otherwise
adverb
oth·er·wise
| \ ˈə-t͟hər-ˌwīz
\
\
Kids Definition of otherwise
1
: in another way
He never treated her otherwise than with respect.
2
: in different circumstances
Thanks for driving; otherwise I couldn't go.
3
: in other ways
Trucks aren't allowed, but it is an otherwise busy street.
4
: if not : or else
“I always have to sing to myself for a while; otherwise I can't sleep …”— Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking
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