if not

phrase

1

—used to talk about the negative result or effect of something

You should study. If not, you won't pass the test.

2

—used to express surprise about meeting someone when it is not expected

So I went to the game and who should I see there if not my old friend Tom!

Examples of if not in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was a dip in quality, if not drama, last time out compared to the 2024-25 campaign, which saw Leeds United and Burnley rack up 100 points apiece on the way to automatic promotion. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Wakefield refuses to take any credit, but Campbell will tell you that his high school coach helped repurpose, if not soften, his edges. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

And then, this week, a new report showing inflation declining again could encourage an interest rate cut, if not when the bank meets again in September, then potentially later in the year. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Calling something a white wine thriller could be interpreted as pejorative, if not sexist. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for if not

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot