if only
idiom
—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true
If only she loved me in return!
If only it would stop raining.
Examples of if only in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Together, both could create an economic powerhouse if only Europe would finally address its chronic aversion to risk and investment.
—
Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
This is a rare look at the couple working out together, if only for cameras.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
Somehow, though, their stuttering vehicle was able to ignite, if only into second gear, to guide them to safety on the final day.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The latter may be too optimistic, if only because enough voters could feel that the director, who is not yet 40, may still need to pay his dues.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
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Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
This is a rare look at the couple working out together, if only for cameras.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
Somehow, though, their stuttering vehicle was able to ignite, if only into second gear, to guide them to safety on the final day.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The latter may be too optimistic, if only because enough voters could feel that the director, who is not yet 40, may still need to pay his dues.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
Cite this Entry
“If only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20only. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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