if only

idiom

—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true

If only she loved me in return!

If only it would stop raining.

Examples of if only in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Still, her friends persuaded her to go see the doctor, if only to get on some anti-anxiety medication. —

Meghan Herbst, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024 Ultimately, history may also consign Sartini to a list flamboyant MLS failures, if only because not enough people are paying close attention. —

Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 This works as a replacement if only a small amount of buttermilk is needed—and the recipe isn’t dependent on the rich signature buttermilk flavor. —

Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2024 But just for a moment, think what would happen if only half of the people in the world would try to become American citizens if given the chance. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for if only