if only
idiom
—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
Go, if only to escape the traffic and chaos of the city for a moment.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Its sensitivity about both groups is a reminder that uniting them remains the Iranian opposition’s best move, if only activists would take it.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
Many comics would hold for applause here, if only to acknowledge the audience’s gesture, but not Fleming.
—John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Saga and Jon are hoping to start a family and have three children in all, which is perhaps why Saga wants to access her childhood and somehow relive it, if only vicariously.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for if only
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Its sensitivity about both groups is a reminder that uniting them remains the Iranian opposition’s best move, if only activists would take it.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026
Many comics would hold for applause here, if only to acknowledge the audience’s gesture, but not Fleming.
—John Roy, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026
Saga and Jon are hoping to start a family and have three children in all, which is perhaps why Saga wants to access her childhood and somehow relive it, if only vicariously.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for if only
Cite this Entry
“If only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20only. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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