if only
idiom
—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
Recent Examples on the Web
If the world needs to take action quickly, enzymes are a compelling candidate for the job – if only researchers could design them to handle those challenges on demand.
—
Sam Pellock, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
This all of course leads to plenty of action sequences to satisfy any Marvel fan, including the key set piece of an aerial assault where Captain America gets to strut his wings and save the day — if only temporarily.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
Some folks in Colorado are out there chirping away that if only the pesky animal welfare lot would get on board with factory farming and tight enclosures without room to move, that would drive down egg prices.
—Jim Martin, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
Of course, many of the assaults that were found to be committed by serial rapists could have been prevented, if only the rape kits of their earlier victims had been tested with some dispatch.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
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Sam Pellock, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2025
This all of course leads to plenty of action sequences to satisfy any Marvel fan, including the key set piece of an aerial assault where Captain America gets to strut his wings and save the day — if only temporarily.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
Some folks in Colorado are out there chirping away that if only the pesky animal welfare lot would get on board with factory farming and tight enclosures without room to move, that would drive down egg prices.
—Jim Martin, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025
Of course, many of the assaults that were found to be committed by serial rapists could have been prevented, if only the rape kits of their earlier victims had been tested with some dispatch.
—Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for if only
Dictionary Entries Near if only
Cite this Entry
“If only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20only. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
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