ˈif 
əf
1
a
: in the event that
b
: allowing that
c
: on the assumption that
d
: on condition that
2
: whether
asked if the mail had come
I doubt if I'll pass the course
3
—used as a function word to introduce an exclamation expressing a wish
if it would only rain
4
: even though : although perhaps
an interesting if untenable argument
5
: and perhaps not even
few if any changes are expected
—often used with notdifficult if not impossible
1
: condition, stipulation
the question … depends on too many ifs to allow an answer—
Encounter
Encounter2
Examples of if in a Sentence
Noun
There are too many ifs in this proposal.
your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
Noun
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
Cite this Entry
“If.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
if
2 of 2 noun1
: condition entry 1 sense 3, stipulation
too many ifs make the contract confusing
2
: supposition sense 1
a theory full of ifs
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share