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.

But what if they turn out to play cameos?

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

But what if the AI strategies become predominant?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

But it’s not clear what, if any, intel agents have used in the repeated detention of Garcia Venegas.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

Like, what if your career had started later, do you think you would have been better equipped to handle the kind of fame you amassed in your youth?

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Or, worse, what if he was bored with our friendship now and wanted out?

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows