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

So, dear reader, what if the elusive Lady Whistledown herself had observed the frenzy surrounding the wedding of the season? — Bryan West, USA Today, 7 July 2026

This helpful challenge can create clarity around the viability of strategic objectives and determine the actions required to reach them - enhancing the resilience of the organization to a range of ‘what if’ scenarios. — Anna Marks, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Noun

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

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

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