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
Everyone involved in these snowflake-fluffing spectacles should be deeply embarrassed—if only the concept of shame still existed in GOP politics.
—
David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
The strategy document contends that peace might be at hand in Ukraine, if only Europe’s elites can be bypassed.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
Waiting for the first snow is a winter tradition — but what if only a single snowflake arrives?
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 2 Dec. 2025
Now if only those Starbucks drinks could make it to all of us watching from home!
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
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David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
The strategy document contends that peace might be at hand in Ukraine, if only Europe’s elites can be bypassed.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2025
Waiting for the first snow is a winter tradition — but what if only a single snowflake arrives?
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 2 Dec. 2025
Now if only those Starbucks drinks could make it to all of us watching from home!
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 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 16 Dec. 2025.
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