if not
idiom
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
One of the biggest, if not the biggest, comic in the world, Nate Bargatze, lives here.
—
Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
Demographers say more high-income countries would face population decline, if not for high rates of immigration.
—Sarah McCammon, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Candy by the numbers Branch said that customers can expect to pay as much as last year for Halloween chocolate this year – if not more – up until Valentine’s Day.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
And if not, should the Panthers turn to practice-squad passers, Hendon Hooker or Mike White?
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
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Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 27 Oct. 2025
Demographers say more high-income countries would face population decline, if not for high rates of immigration.
—Sarah McCammon, NPR, 27 Oct. 2025
Candy by the numbers Branch said that customers can expect to pay as much as last year for Halloween chocolate this year – if not more – up until Valentine’s Day.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
And if not, should the Panthers turn to practice-squad passers, Hendon Hooker or Mike White?
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
Cite this Entry
“If not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.
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