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
That’s not good news for Rhyan, if only because a second-year former first-round pick might get every chance to become a full-time starter (and Walker is probably starting at left tackle).
—
Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
This, if only to be informed and prepared for points of potential intersection between papal perspectives and leadership strategies.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Homelessness dropped, if only slightly, in almost every community.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Others would be scandals worthy of resignations if only there were political leaders able to enforce some accountability.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
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Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 21 May 2025
This, if only to be informed and prepared for points of potential intersection between papal perspectives and leadership strategies.
—Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Homelessness dropped, if only slightly, in almost every community.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Others would be scandals worthy of resignations if only there were political leaders able to enforce some accountability.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 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 4 Jun. 2025.
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