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.

For more than 40 years, Steven Spielberg has been asking audiences the same question: what if we're not alone?

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Sure, it makes you feel good, but why does it make you feel good, and what, if anything, do you want in return?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

In a Truth Social post External link announcing the move, Trump was silent on what, if anything, Pulte’s new role could mean for the futures of Fannie and Freddie.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

And again, people would keep calling and saying, “Hey, what if you did a spin-off of the spin-off?”

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

“You say that now,” Mom said, “but what if you get tired of feeding him and cleaning up after him? And what about when he gets bigger and he’s awake more of the time?”

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold