if not

ADVERB

otherwise

Synonyms

STRONG

differently

WEAK

any other way at another time contrarily diversely elseways in different circumstances on the other hand or else or then under other conditions variously

CONJUNCTION

unless

Synonyms

WEAK

but except except for excepting that lest saving without

PREPOSITION

except

Synonyms

STRONGEST

save

STRONG

bar barring excepting excluding exempting lacking omitting rejecting saving

WEAK

apart from aside from besides but exclusive of leaving out minus not for outside of short of with the exception of without

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Technological barriers notwithstanding, Musk’s vision could be years away, if not more.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

And even if not, Hulu’s got a deep library.

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

“So why wouldn’t an entire index which is dominated by much smaller and thinly traded products be as susceptible, if not more so.”

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

“I always wanted to make sure that I was telling authentic stories even if not necessarily always positive stories,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

I blink, and Moreau is face-to-face with me, so close that he could reach out and grab me if not for the glass.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

if not

Example Sentences

Related Words