what if
1 of 2phrase
1
: what will or would be the result if
2
: what does it matter if
So what if he doesn't like it.
Examples of what if in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dave McCann, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
His college career ended with a colossal what-if when McCoy exited the 2009 BCS Championship game against Alabama with an injury.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Its cast is exactly the sprightly ensemble needed to land its what-if laughs.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Playing the what-if game with Nix won’t heal any pain for the Broncos.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
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Noun
By pairing digital twins with AI agents, for example, telcos can run what-if scenarios on new services or simulate customer experiences pre-launch.
—Dave McCann, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
His college career ended with a colossal what-if when McCoy exited the 2009 BCS Championship game against Alabama with an injury.
—Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Its cast is exactly the sprightly ensemble needed to land its what-if laughs.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Playing the what-if game with Nix won’t heal any pain for the Broncos.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for what if
Cite this Entry
“What if.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/what%20if. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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