if need be
idiom
: if something becomes necessary
You can always call me at home if need be.
We'll leave without them if need be.
Examples of if need be in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the sun's out, the manual roof can be dropped in seconds and raised just as easily if need be.
—
Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
So would Fox News make the same call in 2024, if need be?
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024
The foot spa is pretty portable and not too heavy or cumbersome to move around your home if need be.
—Daley Quinn Published, Health, 25 Oct. 2024
This means that the United States must have the ability—and credibly signal its willingness if need be—to wage sustained military campaigns in multiple theaters.
—Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for if need be 
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.
Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
So would Fox News make the same call in 2024, if need be?
—Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Nov. 2024
The foot spa is pretty portable and not too heavy or cumbersome to move around your home if need be.
—Daley Quinn Published, Health, 25 Oct. 2024
This means that the United States must have the ability—and credibly signal its willingness if need be—to wage sustained military campaigns in multiple theaters.
—Nadia Schadlow, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for if need be
Dictionary Entries Near if need be
Cite this Entry
“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share