if only

phrase

—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true

If only she loved me in return!

If only it would stop raining.

Examples of if only in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, Hone argued, a museum or other public institutions could easily unearth specimens such as Gus if only the landowners where these discoveries come up so wished. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

The lineup’s sudden life also took some heat off of James Rowson, if only temporarily. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

In that scenario, players believe the draft as an experience would be more appealing, if only because of the lack of options on the table for the players. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 9 July 2026

Some of the rest of us might have imagined it, if only because Alpert clearly has the best shot of any of us of living forever. — Chris Willman, Variety, 7 July 2026

Rhymes for if only

• lonely