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.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

“But what if almost everything you were taught about them was wrong?”

From Salon • May 20, 2026

“But what if she’s using a different post office? Like, what if she’s on one side of the city, but mailing the postcards from another?”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller