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

But the Smithsonian gets its funding through Congress—what if Congress actually acted on that authority? — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 6 Nov. 2026

However, what if an alien civilization communicates in a way that is nothing like human technology? — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026

Noun

Alas, that meeting never materialized, and after a year, MPCA’s exclusive option period expired, relegating the what-if of Chris Farley starring in Elf to Hollywood legend. — Andy Richter With Aaron Karo, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

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

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