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
Time to exhale, wait, watch and react if need be in February.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024
Two tomato stakes and a piece of anti-aircraft netting can work just as well and are easy to pack in, pack out, and move if need be.
—M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 11 July 2024
Let someone else do that if need be, but don’t give up on yourself.
—Annie Daly, Allure, 9 July 2024
And some, particularly Saudi Arabia, have enough excess capacity to pump and export more oil if need be.
—Kenneth M. Pollack, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2016
See all Example Sentences for if need be 
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024
Two tomato stakes and a piece of anti-aircraft netting can work just as well and are easy to pack in, pack out, and move if need be.
—M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 11 July 2024
Let someone else do that if need be, but don’t give up on yourself.
—Annie Daly, Allure, 9 July 2024
And some, particularly Saudi Arabia, have enough excess capacity to pump and export more oil if need be.
—Kenneth M. Pollack, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2016
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 26 Jul. 2024.
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