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
Let’s rephrase that, if only because 100 years ago, nobody had remembered to invent the Hall of Fame yet.
—
Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Even non-football fans tend to tune into the NFL's championship game, if only to watch this year's crop of commercials.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Providing insights into special teas, this person will shine, if only in brief snippets.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
The downside would be minimal, if only to pass along for draft capital down the road.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for if only
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Jayson Stark, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Even non-football fans tend to tune into the NFL's championship game, if only to watch this year's crop of commercials.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Providing insights into special teas, this person will shine, if only in brief snippets.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
The downside would be minimal, if only to pass along for draft capital down the road.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.
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