not for

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.

“This race is not for the runners. This race is for the people and the city of Los Angeles,” he infamously told The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

The interim government is prosecuting Atef Najib under the 1949 penal code, a statute written for ordinary murder, not for crimes against humanity.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Tenant and landlord groups alike expect a rent freeze to pass, at least this year if not for the remainder of Mamdani’s first term.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The most important chip company in AI, Nvidia, and its graphics processing units, arguably would not exist if not for the gaming industry, which also spawned pioneering AI lab Google DeepMind.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

“Perhaps they will rap for us, if not for you,” the men replied.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock