if only
idiom
—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true
If only she loved me in return!
If only it would stop raining.
Examples of if only in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Still, there remains something to be said about the exercise, if only to take time to weigh who could be in play or should be in play, be it for Durant from the Phoenix Suns or for the next big thing that comes along.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
And if only a few million barrels a day is lost because of cautious shipping owners, that amount would stretch much longer.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
The music itself is a bit more substantive, if only because hip-hop fans understand how crucial Rick is to the evolution of the culture.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
As American politics become more intertwined with personal identity, couples need to have these conversations—if only to make sure that people have all the information to make the best decisions for themselves.
—Monique Wilson, Glamour, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
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.
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025
And if only a few million barrels a day is lost because of cautious shipping owners, that amount would stretch much longer.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
The music itself is a bit more substantive, if only because hip-hop fans understand how crucial Rick is to the evolution of the culture.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025
As American politics become more intertwined with personal identity, couples need to have these conversations—if only to make sure that people have all the information to make the best decisions for themselves.
—Monique Wilson, Glamour, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for if only
Cite this Entry
“If only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20only. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share