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 lingo, the faces, the concerns – all seemed, if not entirely authentic, then at least clever enough to create some backstage buzz. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025

Between cornerback, defensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver and safety, the Bills will likely fill at least one, if not several, of those primary needs among their top picks. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

And Season 3 promises to be just as big if not bigger. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 9 Apr. 2025

Nearly one month since President Donald Trump’s administration opened indirect peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, many have already concluded that the effort is slowly dying, if not already dead. —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for if not

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot