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.

But what if the AI strategies become predominant?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 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

Tory Gavito, the president of Way to Win, a progressive donor network and research organization, told Salon that she sees the autopsy as basically agnostic on what, if anything, the Democrats should stand for.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Like, what if your career had started later, do you think you would have been better equipped to handle the kind of fame you amassed in your youth?

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

“For what if you are caught? The officers of the law will surely think that you are the thief.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood