Definition without in American English

without adverb, preposition

adverb, preposition

/wɪðˈaʊt/

Without can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun): I can’t see without my glasses. (followed by the “-ing” form of a verb): She walked past without saying anything.

as an adverb (without a following noun): There isn’t any butter left, so we’ll have to manage without.

used for saying what someone or something does not have

Example

the ability to do mathematics without a calculator

Example

They had endured three days without food or water.

Example

a dress without sleeves

Example

I can't afford new tennis shoes, so I'll have to do without.

Synonyms and related words

absence lack loss

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used for saying that you do not have someone with you

Example

I can't live without you - I want to marry you.

Example

If the others don't want to come, we'll go without them.

used for saying what you do not do when you do something else

3.1

used for saying what you do not do when you do something else

Example

Normally I would accept your offer without hesitation.

Example

Liz closed the door without making a sound.

Example

He walked off and left me without so much as a backward glance.

3.2

used for saying what does not happen or has not happened when something else happens

Example

The operation proceeded without any major problems.

Example

an attack that came without any warning

Example

Could these men have walked out of the prison without anyone noticing?

used for saying that you do not have a particular feeling, or you do not show a particular quality when you do something

Example

She got up to speak without her usual nervousness.

Example

We began our search, but without much hope of finding anything.

an old word meaning "outside"

Synonyms and related words

outwith outside beyond

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Related Words

Words related to without:

be up the creek (without a paddle) (phrase) be without equal (phrase) be without foundation (phrase) a shadow of a doubt (phrase) do without (phrasal verb) ex parte (adverb, adjective) go without (phrasal verb) go without saying (that) (phrase) hardly a day without something (doing something) (phrase) lost without (phrase) make do ( something) (phrase) not so much as (phrase) reckon without (phrasal verb) sink without trace (phrase) up shit creek (without a paddle) (phrase) distinction (phrase) without (adverb, preposition) without (a) doubt (phrase) without (let or) hindrance (phrase) without a murmur (phrase) without a second thought (phrase) without blinking an (phrase) without ceremony (phrase) without distinction (of something) (phrase) without exception (phrase) without fail (phrase) without fear of contradiction (phrase) without let or hindrance (phrase) without prejudice (to something) (phrase) without question (phrase) without so much as a by your leave (phrase) without to do something (phrase) number (phrase) you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs (phrase)