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
Ken Rosenthal, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026
To me, Ruben’s final seconds on screen are a what-if moment, not dissimilar (though tonally opposite) to The Graduate’s final scene.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
For nine years, May 28 evoked a franchise-haunting what-if.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The Minnesota Wild players are not playing hockey right now and still have a what-if nagging at them about injuries.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for what if
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Noun
Ohtani’s time in Anaheim For the Angels, Moreno’s refusal to bring the trade to fruition represents yet another what-if from Ohtani’s time in Anaheim.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026
To me, Ruben’s final seconds on screen are a what-if moment, not dissimilar (though tonally opposite) to The Graduate’s final scene.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026
For nine years, May 28 evoked a franchise-haunting what-if.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 29 May 2026
The Minnesota Wild players are not playing hockey right now and still have a what-if nagging at them about injuries.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 May 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 4 Jun. 2026.
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