if not for
idiom
: in the absence of (something or someone) : without
If not for modern medicine, fewer babies would survive.
If not for him, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Examples of if not for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The damning evidence against Trump would not exist if not for his rift with Mark Milley, a remarkable feud between the Commander-in-Chief and the nation’s top general that had been a secret backdrop to the public drama that played out after the 2020 election.
—
Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 28 June 2023
Would shows like Stranger Things, Westworld, The Mandalorian and The Boys have netted their drama series noms if not for Thrones?
—Esther Zuckerman, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2023
Larson has notched two victories and probably should have had more if not for some unfortunate bad luck – an untimely caution flag when leading in one case and wrong-place-wrong-time crashes in other instances.
—Ellen J. Horrow, USA TODAY, 17 June 2023
The new bill is designed to prevent shootings like the one at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade last year, which state senator Julie Morrison argued could have been prevented if not for that 2014 law.
—Sean Hollister, The Verge, 16 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for if not for 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 28 June 2023
Would shows like Stranger Things, Westworld, The Mandalorian and The Boys have netted their drama series noms if not for Thrones?
—Esther Zuckerman, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 June 2023
Larson has notched two victories and probably should have had more if not for some unfortunate bad luck – an untimely caution flag when leading in one case and wrong-place-wrong-time crashes in other instances.
—Ellen J. Horrow, USA TODAY, 17 June 2023
The new bill is designed to prevent shootings like the one at the Highland Park Fourth of July parade last year, which state senator Julie Morrison argued could have been prevented if not for that 2014 law.
—Sean Hollister, The Verge, 16 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for if not for
Dictionary Entries Near if not for
Cite this Entry
“If not for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20not%20for. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share