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
The late-night host has felt so dismayed by the administration’s fascist policies that he’s set up a bit of a contingency plan to flee the country altogether if need be.
—
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
The new dam can dewater the lake if need be, engineers said.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Thursday also marks the last City Commission meeting until September, although the commission could always call for a special meeting in August if need be.
—Carl David Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Carin, a flight attendant for a major domestic carrier, revealed that her airline in particular requires workers to help passengers locate space in the overhead bins, and aid with lifting it if need be—but not to pick up the bag on their own.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025
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Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
The new dam can dewater the lake if need be, engineers said.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
Thursday also marks the last City Commission meeting until September, although the commission could always call for a special meeting in August if need be.
—Carl David Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Carin, a flight attendant for a major domestic carrier, revealed that her airline in particular requires workers to help passengers locate space in the overhead bins, and aid with lifting it if need be—but not to pick up the bag on their own.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 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 2 Sep. 2025.
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