if need be
idiom
: if something becomes necessary
You can always call me at home if need be.
We'll leave without them if need be.
Examples of if need be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
McConaughey’s legal team said the trademark was pre-emptive, but gave the actor standing to sue if need be.
—
David Matthews, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
If his game goes south at some point during that deal, Montreal can afford to bury the contract in the AHL if need be.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The ensemble around Holt includes Froy Gutierrez, Luke MacFarlane, Corteon Moore, Chloe Avakian, and Carson MacCormac — filling out a cast that feels authentically adolescent but capable and glossy enough to carry some big action-horror beats if need be.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
And if need be, her kids can be on set with her on a more consistent basis.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for if need be
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David Matthews, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
If his game goes south at some point during that deal, Montreal can afford to bury the contract in the AHL if need be.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
The ensemble around Holt includes Froy Gutierrez, Luke MacFarlane, Corteon Moore, Chloe Avakian, and Carson MacCormac — filling out a cast that feels authentically adolescent but capable and glossy enough to carry some big action-horror beats if need be.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Jan. 2026
And if need be, her kids can be on set with her on a more consistent basis.
—Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for if need be
Cite this Entry
“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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