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
That has been Tyreek Hill’s story his whole football career, if not life.
—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
If the stablecoin legislation moves forward on its own, it could be passed by the end of July, if not sooner, depending on the extent of differences that need to be resolved between the the House and Senate versions.
—Owen Tedford, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All these technologies show promise in helping more people, if not reach Super Ager status, then achieve a longer health span by either delaying the onset of disease or aggressively treating conditions to prevent progression and complications.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
More Pro Wrestling: Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update
Since then, Asuka continued to be one of the top-performing wrestlers in WWE, quickly establishing herself as one of the best female wrestlers in the history of the company if not the world.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
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Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
If the stablecoin legislation moves forward on its own, it could be passed by the end of July, if not sooner, depending on the extent of differences that need to be resolved between the the House and Senate versions.
—Owen Tedford, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
All these technologies show promise in helping more people, if not reach Super Ager status, then achieve a longer health span by either delaying the onset of disease or aggressively treating conditions to prevent progression and complications.
—Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
More Pro Wrestling: Pro Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Shares Major Surgery Update
Since then, Asuka continued to be one of the top-performing wrestlers in WWE, quickly establishing herself as one of the best female wrestlers in the history of the company if not the world.
—Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.
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