if only

phrase

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

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Adding three McDonald’s All-Americans should go a long way with this team as well, if only because there will be real talent at the back end of the rotation. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.

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