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.

I certainly hope not, but what if it ends up like Chinatown, where all the Chinese people moved to the San Gabriel Valley?”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 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

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

From Salon • May 24, 2026

“Thanks, Togbe, but what if that just… you know… takes too long?”

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo