if only

phrase

—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true
If only she loved me in return!
If only it would stop raining.

Examples of if only in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Today, the 103-year-shopping district, encompassing 15 city blocks and styled in Spanish tiles, has improved — if only slightly — with 28% of its storefronts unoccupied. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Visiting the Conviction set in New York was also surreal, if only to see the inner workings of the TV-making process. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 As the violence intensifies, the two men search for ways to escape the brutality surrounding them, if only briefly. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 The vocals at this Honda Stage at the iHeartRadio Theater performance are nothing to write home about, but this live rendition is worth a watch if only for the looming, frightening, almost aggressive energy of her background singers. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for if only

Rhymes for if only

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Browse Nearby Words

if one knows what's good for one
if only
-iform
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“If only.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20only. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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