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
The Atlanta rapper’s prior album, 2020’s Whole Lotta Red, currently stands as a foundational text for dozens if not hundreds of extremely online acts that mimic his talent for transmogrifying his voice into odd shapes over blurry, cartoon-ish melodies.
—
Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
These days, most Nero Wolfe books are out of print and Rex Stout is largely forgotten—if not by his loyal fan club, the Wolfe Pack—but a whole lot of people are talking about his sister.
—Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Tattoo artists say more people are looking to get tattoos while under general anesthesia, a practice that's controversial, new and − if not taken seriously or done under proper medical guidance − dangerous.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
That number would be even higher if not for concussions and NHL work stoppages.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
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Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
These days, most Nero Wolfe books are out of print and Rex Stout is largely forgotten—if not by his loyal fan club, the Wolfe Pack—but a whole lot of people are talking about his sister.
—Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Tattoo artists say more people are looking to get tattoos while under general anesthesia, a practice that's controversial, new and − if not taken seriously or done under proper medical guidance − dangerous.
—Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025
That number would be even higher if not for concussions and NHL work stoppages.
—Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
Cite this Entry
“If not.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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