with·out
wi-ˈt͟hau̇t 
-ˈthau̇t
-ˈthau̇t
1
: outside
2
—used as a function word to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone
fight without fear
left without him
looks without seeing
1
: on the outside : externally
2
: with something lacking or absent
has learned to do without
chiefly dialectal
: unless
you don't know about me without you have read a book—
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
: an outer place or area
came from without
Synonyms
Examples of without in a Sentence
Preposition
Do you take your coffee with or without sugar?
Don't leave home without your wallet.
Without water, there would be no life on Earth.
I can't imagine life without a car.
It happened suddenly and without warning.
The prisoner will be held without bail until his trial.
These cookies are made without flour.
Try doing the math without a calculator.
I can't see you without my glasses.
Adverb
Do you take your coffee with sugar or without?
Recent Examples on the Web
Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
To Toph’s mind, Dave wants to mend the estrangement without fixing the problems that caused it.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
But choosing to go against the grain isn’t without risk, as each choice shapes the path forward in surprising ways.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
The findings detail lapses in oversight that left families without deeds to their homes.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for without 
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.
Preposition
His talent, warmth, and vision left an imprint on everyone who knew him, and the world is dimmer without him.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
To Toph’s mind, Dave wants to mend the estrangement without fixing the problems that caused it.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
But choosing to go against the grain isn’t without risk, as each choice shapes the path forward in surprising ways.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024
The findings detail lapses in oversight that left families without deeds to their homes.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for without
Dictionary Entries Near without
Cite this Entry
“Without.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/without. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
without
1 of 3 preposition
with·out
wit͟h-ˈau̇t
with-
with-
1
a
: outside entry 4 sense 1
they stood without the castle gates
b
: out of the range or limits of
not without our capabilities
2
a
: not having : in the absence of
without food
b
: not accompanied by or showing
spoke without thinking
without
2 of 3 adverb1
: on the outside
2
: with something lacking or absent
learn to do without
without
3 of 3 noun
: an outer place or area
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share