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

For those who saw Varsity’s dominance as a troubling concentration of power—if not an outright antitrust issue—the collegiate space offered a rare opportunity: a chance to build something outside the reach of a deeply entrenched corporate force. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025

This building could be similarly enticing, the group mused, if not even more so. —Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 14 July 2025

At one point, the ulcer wrapped nearly all the way around her lower leg — a situation that can lead to amputation if not controlled. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2025

And thus begins one of the most fruitful actor-director partnerships of the 21st century — if not ever. —Derek Lawrence, EW.com, 13 July 2025

Rhymes for if not

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot