1
: as a precaution against the event that
carries an umbrella in case it rains
2
: if
In case we are surprised, keep by me.—
Washington Irving
Washington Irvingin case
2 of 2phrase
: as a precaution
took an umbrella, just in case
Examples of in case in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Iain Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Alexander at least has the protection of being a 2025 Schoen third-round pick coming off a disappointing rookie season, but Robertson-Harris may want to have a strong training camp just in case.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
Medicalized planes will be on standby in case anyone develops symptoms but the working assumption is standard aircraft will be used, Balcones said.
—Mark Osborne, CBS News, 8 May 2026
One study suggested that patients should be prescribed three or four doses, as well as an additional dose in case it’s needed.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Conjunction
According to a letter sent by the Dutch foreign and health ministers to parliament late Friday, Spain has activated the EU civil protection mechanism for a medical evacuation plane equipped for infectious diseases to be on standby in case anyone on the ship becomes ill.
—Iain Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Alexander at least has the protection of being a 2025 Schoen third-round pick coming off a disappointing rookie season, but Robertson-Harris may want to have a strong training camp just in case.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
Medicalized planes will be on standby in case anyone develops symptoms but the working assumption is standard aircraft will be used, Balcones said.
—Mark Osborne, CBS News, 8 May 2026
One study suggested that patients should be prescribed three or four doses, as well as an additional dose in case it’s needed.
—Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
Cite this Entry
“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
