if not
idiom
1
—used to talk about the negative result or effect of something
You should study. If not, you won't pass the test.
2
—used to express surprise about meeting someone when it is not expected
So I went to the game and who should I see there if not my old friend Tom!
Examples of if not in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Healing, if not wholeness, is found through acts of reclamation.
—
The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
But what is the national character if not a vague feeling?
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
Schneider is a clear candidate to win the American League manager of the year award, if not the favourite.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Fox’s costume is certainly clever — and on brand for Halloween — if not exactly tasteful.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
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The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
But what is the national character if not a vague feeling?
—Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
Schneider is a clear candidate to win the American League manager of the year award, if not the favourite.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Fox’s costume is certainly clever — and on brand for Halloween — if not exactly tasteful.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
Cite this Entry
“If not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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