1
as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning
your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in condition
something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends
there are a number of ifs in the proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of if
The new strategy means the doc fix happens only if Republicans can get a reconciliation package across the finish line — a big if.
—
Peter Sullivan, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
The question about Running Point getting a season 2 is not really an if, but a when.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
There is an if here, in other words.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025
That’s a big if, needless to say.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
If all goes well—and this is a huge if, Gialich readily acknowledges—Odin will fly by its target asteroid 301 days later.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
There was an if-not-now-then-when feeling in Buffalo this week.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
New experimental and theoretical results, new tools and private sector investment are all adding to our growing sense that developing practical fusion energy is no longer an if but a when.
—Farhat Beg, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, derivatives can pay off on all sorts of inflationary outcomes (if the counterparty is solvent enough to pay—a big if).
—James Berman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Peter Sullivan, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
The question about Running Point getting a season 2 is not really an if, but a when.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
There is an if here, in other words.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025
That’s a big if, needless to say.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
If all goes well—and this is a huge if, Gialich readily acknowledges—Odin will fly by its target asteroid 301 days later.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
There was an if-not-now-then-when feeling in Buffalo this week.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
New experimental and theoretical results, new tools and private sector investment are all adding to our growing sense that developing practical fusion energy is no longer an if but a when.
—Farhat Beg, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, derivatives can pay off on all sorts of inflationary outcomes (if the counterparty is solvent enough to pay—a big if).
—James Berman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for if
Noun
-
The three-time Pro Bowler’s placement on this list is operating under the assumption that Andrews is content remaining with the Ravens and hasn’t become disenchanted with all of the trade speculation and criticism he’s gotten for how Baltimore’s 2024 season ended.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
-
This method forces teams to rethink their assumptions and explore unconventional angles.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As far as the long-term effects, frequent and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions like liver disease, heart problems, increased cancer risk and damage to the nervous system.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
California’s capital city was ranked 13th for Easter traditions and was in eighth place overall for weather conditions, according to WalletHub. Which other California cities made the list?—
Kendrick Marshall,
Sacbee.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The most likely answer is that the account is run by a member of a competing stan community, but my theory is that the Blue Origin mission got in the way of Wendy’s own major technological launch on Monday, April 14: Frostys with flavor swirls in them.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
That’s just a theory, not a spoiler or even a prediction.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But these recent examples suggest the provision is no longer serving that purpose.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Other portions of the executive order are still being litigated, including a provision that withholds federal funds from states that count mail and absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but are received by election officials afterwards.—
Jude Joffe-Block,
NPR,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Assuming the roster gets back to full health, the givens ahead of Pelle in the rotation would be Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware, Andrew Wiggins and, perhaps, Davion Mitchell.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2025
-
There are some givens in the B’s lineup, as long as there’s good health.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
India's import licensing requirements, foreign direct investment caps, and state-run trading monopolies control who can do business and under what terms.—
Garth Friesen,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
-
President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year establishing new national voter identification requirements.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In victory, Trump won the right to shave McMahon’s head, which was a stipulation for the match.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Since January, Owens has had multiple matches with severe stipulations, particularly against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, both of which are some of the best matches of the year so far.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The only exception is that when the three characters fall, the remaining two can be called as backup to help finish the fight.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
23 Apr. 2025
-
The exception means employees can work remotely from anywhere in North Carolina, not solely within Mecklenburg County.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“If.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/if. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share