let alone

1 of 2

conjunction

Synonyms of let alonenext
: to say nothing of : not to mention
—used especially to emphasize the improbability of a contrasting example
… he would never walk again, let alone play golf.—Sports Illus.
how many ever see an Ambassador or Minister, let alone a President—Robert Lacville

let alone

2 of 2

phrase

: to leave undisturbed
let the flowers alone
also : to leave to oneself
wanted to be let alone

Synonyms of let alone

Relevance

Conjunction

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of let alone in a Sentence

Conjunction I don't have enough money for a new car, let alone a luxury sedan.
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.
Conjunction
Richie has never left the country, let alone flown in a plane. — Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 26 June 2026 Most winners aren't used to handling millions of dollars, let alone the crush of publicity that comes with a Powerball jackpot. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
Phrase
But Claus also did not see anything on the field, at full speed, to warrant a card at all, let alone a red. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 All the gold is gone, and there’s barely enough to pay her soldiers, let alone throw a lavish coronation. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for let alone

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of let alone was in 1765

Rhymes for let alone

See All Rhymes for let alone

Browse Nearby Words

let's see
let alone
let bug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let alone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20alone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

let alone

conjunction
: to say nothing of : not to mention
lacked the courage, let alone the know-how
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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