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
But if not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated as votes are counted in subsequent rounds.
—
Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 June 2025
Machine washable Shower curtain liners are prone to building up with soap scum and mildew if not cleaned regularly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
But there are some small snags that could be annoying, if not exactly devastating.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 19 June 2025
In the report, Huntress noted the attack will check if the Mac has Rosetta 2 installed to run x86 programs; if not, the attack will silently install it.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for if not
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Callum Sutherland, Time, 20 June 2025
Machine washable Shower curtain liners are prone to building up with soap scum and mildew if not cleaned regularly.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025
But there are some small snags that could be annoying, if not exactly devastating.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 19 June 2025
In the report, Huntress noted the attack will check if the Mac has Rosetta 2 installed to run x86 programs; if not, the attack will silently install it.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 June 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 27 Jun. 2025.
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