what if

1 of 2

phrase

1

: what will or would be the result if

2

: what does it matter if

So what if he doesn't like it.

what-if

2 of 2

noun

ˌ(h)wät-ˈif, 

ˌ(h)wət- 

: a suppositional question

what-if adjective

Examples of what if in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Now, what if every part of the road could also help direct traffic? — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Even parts of me that still wanted to replay old conversations or wonder what if? — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Noun

Catherine’s story line evokes a feverish what-if scenario in which a survivor musters the requisite recklessness, talent for murder, and wig collection to mete out retribution. — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

The full what-if mailbag is available for you here. — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1970, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for what if

• biff
• cliff
• diff
• glyph
• griff
• riff
• schiff
• skiff
• sniff
• stiff
• tiff
• whiff