if not
idiom
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
That was an even tougher situation than me because Richie was really at odds with Serch just as much, if not more.
—
Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 21 Nov. 2024
Some machinery being installed by TSMC in Phoenix costs tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
In some cases, patients must pay 20% of the bill, if not more, before their insurance kicks in.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Corcoran's legal team makes mental health argument In a statement Indiana Abolition Coalition president David Frank read on the statehouse steps Sunday, Corcoran's legal team argued that this death penalty sentence would not have happened if not for Corcoran's mental illness.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2024
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.
Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 21 Nov. 2024
Some machinery being installed by TSMC in Phoenix costs tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
In some cases, patients must pay 20% of the bill, if not more, before their insurance kicks in.
—Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Corcoran's legal team makes mental health argument In a statement Indiana Abolition Coalition president David Frank read on the statehouse steps Sunday, Corcoran's legal team argued that this death penalty sentence would not have happened if not for Corcoran's mental illness.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for if not
Dictionary Entries Near if not
Cite this Entry
“If not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share