Definitions

what if

[hwuht-if, hwot‑, wuht‑, wot‑] / ˈʰwʌtˈɪf, ˈʰwɒt‑, ˈwʌt‑, ˈwɒt‑ /

CONJUNCTION

suppose that

Synonyms

WEAK

but imagine supposing that

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.

Its cast is exactly the sprightly ensemble needed to land its what-if laughs.

From Los Angeles Times

And the pushed-down-out-of.sight, what-if, hope-waiting portion of Christopher’s heart rose up in his chest, and he felt it beating double time under his skin.

From Literature

“That’s third-state thinking. You’ll never get anywhere if you what-if everything. You’ve got to live in the now. The first state.”

From Literature

Mattingly said he doesn’t play the what-if game when thinking about that team.

From Los Angeles Times

One can even detect, in this brilliant, captivating Reichardt gem about fortune and fate, a what-if attached to her disaffected male protagonist: Would today’s version of James, just as adrift and arrogant, steal art to assuage his emptiness?

From Los Angeles Times