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
Their leadership in the public sector and labor unions is second to none, if only officials would listen to them.
—
Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Hmmm, if only all these things could be combined.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
That’s a perfectly legitimate question Star Trek probably hasn’t asked enough over the years, if only to confirm its core values.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Now if only the Mets had so many options for their struggling bullpen in front of Diaz.
—Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
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Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Hmmm, if only all these things could be combined.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
That’s a perfectly legitimate question Star Trek probably hasn’t asked enough over the years, if only to confirm its core values.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025
Now if only the Mets had so many options for their struggling bullpen in front of Diaz.
—Jerry Beach, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
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 5 Sep. 2025.
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