if not

idiom

—used to talk about the negative result or effect of something

You should study. If not, you won't pass the test.

—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

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.

The migration issues at the border, Swalwell said, could have been solved if not for Republicans’ rejection of a bipartisan border bill that would have provided for more border patrol officers and increased funding for border security. —

Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 The company also now adds its Center Stage webcam tech to the MacBook Pro, which is helpful if not quite as exciting as the nano-texture screen. —

PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024 The race for the seat in the 7th District, which is anchored by Lansing but covers suburban and rural areas stretching out from the state capital, was considered one of the most competitive congressional contests in Michigan, if not nationally, headed into the election season. —

Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 At the time, some party leaders were still also bewildered—if not publicly outspoken—about their distress over Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. —

Sara Dorn, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for if not