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

And then what if that site aggregated that data and could offer a recommendation based on the last 90 days or the season or a new star being in the show or a show-closing announcement, and adjust? — Julia Edelstein, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

For example, what if the Dolphins pick first and the Chargers select second and want to pair Justin Herbert with a transformational receiver? — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Noun

The Warner scenario, which would have stocked Netflix with storied properties like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and DC characters, is an interesting what-if, though the company’s pursuit alone unnerved investors given the price tag. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Clients should be able to seamlessly run what-if scenarios to see how major purchases or investment decisions shape their plans, with an AI avatar providing quick answers along the way. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 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