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.

See Examples For:

if not

To think: We spent months, if not years, panicking about this event, what a tin-eared disaster it might be.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

The trade agreement will expire in 10 years if not renewed, though Canada and Mexico both want to renew the deal.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

But Marx, 61, a former Marine and expert in martial arts, is nothing if not swaggering.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 19, 2026

Being able to holiday outside of peak season could save Heptinstall and her family hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, annually.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Besides, while I made dinner, I’d developed a plan to have Mamá “be home” that night, if not in body, then in spirit.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

if not

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words