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 WebLauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024
Some celebrities just wanted to document the moment without taking a side.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
Use black, white, or shades of green to add color to a room without detracting from the stone's natural beauty.
07 of 13
Chain Details
Whether chunky and oversized or delicate and fine, chain detailing is a must-have lighting detail.
—Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2024
Oncor still estimates that its crews should restore electric service to the majority of customers who are without power by Friday evening.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for without 
Preposition
Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 31 May 2024
Some celebrities just wanted to document the moment without taking a side.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
Use black, white, or shades of green to add color to a room without detracting from the stone's natural beauty.
07 of 13
Chain Details
Whether chunky and oversized or delicate and fine, chain detailing is a must-have lighting detail.
—Claire Hoppe, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 May 2024
Oncor still estimates that its crews should restore electric service to the majority of customers who are without power by Friday evening.
—Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for without
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'without.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near without
Cite this Entry
“Without.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/without. Accessed 6 Jun. 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
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