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
The fact that Gaga and Mars have been able to stitch together their 18 weeks at No. 1 in one promotional run — if not in a single streak — speaks to the track’s incredible global popularity.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Being a Southern Beach Lover means taking annual—if not biannual—trips to fuel our obsession.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
This could have led to an open 3-pointer if not for Bridges.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The White House released President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal Friday, hoping to slash, if not zero out, spending on many government programs.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
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Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Being a Southern Beach Lover means taking annual—if not biannual—trips to fuel our obsession.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
This could have led to an open 3-pointer if not for Bridges.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 3 May 2025
The White House released President Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal Friday, hoping to slash, if not zero out, spending on many government programs.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 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 18 May. 2025.
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