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
Ruiz Massieu said the food agency is working on getting additional assets like helicopters from Colombia to pre-position, if need be, in Haiti to respond to a storm hit.
—
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Trump has endorsed opening fire on Russian aircraft if need be, the FT reports.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Start by taking a look at your own communication style and making adjustments if need be.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 28 Aug. 2025
Still, financing options, if need be, include a short-term commercial paper, increased hotel taxes, or a general obligation bond.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if need be
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Trump has endorsed opening fire on Russian aircraft if need be, the FT reports.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Start by taking a look at your own communication style and making adjustments if need be.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 28 Aug. 2025
Still, financing options, if need be, include a short-term commercial paper, increased hotel taxes, or a general obligation bond.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if need be
Cite this Entry
“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share