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

"I thought, 'I'm going to download the app and give it a try. If nothing happens, it doesn't matter because nothing else is working out for me. But what if something does happen?'" he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

He gets very enthusiastic about what if we look at that hypocrisy and just bulldoze over it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

Clare sputtered, “B-but… what if… how can…” He growled, slapping his paws on the floor.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman