if not
phrase
1
—used to talk about the negative result or effect of something
You should study. If not, you won't pass the test.
2
—used to express surprise about meeting someone when it is not expected
So I went to the game and who should I see there if not my old friend Tom!
Examples of if not in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Everything was at stake for the Los Angeles Lakers, but as free agency started Monday, the organization seemed stuck in neutral — if not moving backward in reverse.
—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Industry experts are betting on at least two dresses, if not more.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
Managers typically make an effort to get most if not all of the prospects one each roster in the game, often limiting pitchers to one inning or less of work with hitters often getting pinch hit for at some point.
—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
So from that point of view, the chance of GJ 3378b being habitable, if not inhabited, seems fair.
—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for if not
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.
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
Industry experts are betting on at least two dresses, if not more.
—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
2 July 2026
Managers typically make an effort to get most if not all of the prospects one each roster in the game, often limiting pitchers to one inning or less of work with hitters often getting pinch hit for at some point.
—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
2 July 2026
So from that point of view, the chance of GJ 3378b being habitable, if not inhabited, seems fair.
—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
2 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for if not
Cite this Entry
“If not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
