if need be
idiom
: if something becomes necessary
You can always call me at home if need be.
We'll leave without them if need be.
Examples of if need be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The rules could always be rewritten if need be (each of the last three administrations has changed them at least once) and nowhere do the rules require buyers to do anything.
—
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024
The trick is to counter these biases early on and be ready to walk away if need be.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
This would ensure that rapid-reaction forces could be sent to protect trainers if need be.
—Lise Morjé Howard, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2023
Sticking to the plan while also being adaptable if need be.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for if need be 
Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 8 Oct. 2024
The trick is to counter these biases early on and be ready to walk away if need be.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
This would ensure that rapid-reaction forces could be sent to protect trainers if need be.
—Lise Morjé Howard, Foreign Affairs, 20 Mar. 2023
Sticking to the plan while also being adaptable if need be.
—Dalton Ross, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for if need be
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'if need be.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near if need be
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“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.
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