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

Now, if only for Monday, Daniels and Perkins are at the center of the Falcons’ defense, a byproduct of an ankle injury to starting linebacker Divine Deablo, who the team expects back sooner rather than later. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026

The kids in The Shards might benefit from an occasional watchful eye, if only their parents weren’t vacationing in Europe indefinitely. — Rob Haskell, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

But David has to look into that void, if only in brief flares. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026

What generally shouldn't happen, though, is two separate companies collecting payment on the same debt at the same time if only one has the legal authority to do so. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for if only

• lonely