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
As in all magical realism tales, these house spirits are an unquestioned part of the family’s reality, so Nora puts these handy men to work fixing up their home, if not their lives.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
In addition to those who were shot, four other patrons were injured, and officials say the tragedy could have been much worse if not for the bravery of those who intervened.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Kimmel was a serious investment of years and tens (if not hundreds) of millions of dollars.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2025
That gives him a high floor as a potential sixth man early on, if not a starter.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
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.
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025
In addition to those who were shot, four other patrons were injured, and officials say the tragedy could have been much worse if not for the bravery of those who intervened.
—Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2025
Kimmel was a serious investment of years and tens (if not hundreds) of millions of dollars.
—Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 22 Sep. 2025
That gives him a high floor as a potential sixth man early on, if not a starter.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share