or else

idiom

—used to say what will happen if something is not done

You have to leave or else you will be arrested for trespassing.

—used to say what another possibility is

He either thinks he can't do it or else he just isn't interested.

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 The six-part drama is almost explicitly an Aussie version of Yellowstone, or else a modern-day version of Australia, with none of those pesky Baz Luhrmann aesthetic trappings. —

Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Oct. 2024 Needless to say, the pressure is on for the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to make things right … or else. —

Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Elon Musk better watch out, or else giant Ana de Armas is going to go beast mode and destroy his cars. —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for or else