1
as in assumption
something taken as being true or factual and used as a starting point for a course of action or reasoning
your conclusion may turn out to be accurate, but you're postulating a lot of ifs
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in condition
something upon which the carrying out of an agreement or offer depends
there are a number of ifs in the proposal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of if
The new strategy means the doc fix happens only if Republicans can get a reconciliation package across the finish line — a big if.
—
Peter Sullivan, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
The question about Running Point getting a season 2 is not really an if, but a when.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
There is an if here, in other words.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025
That’s a big if, needless to say.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
If all goes well—and this is a huge if, Gialich readily acknowledges—Odin will fly by its target asteroid 301 days later.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
There was an if-not-now-then-when feeling in Buffalo this week.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
New experimental and theoretical results, new tools and private sector investment are all adding to our growing sense that developing practical fusion energy is no longer an if but a when.
—Farhat Beg, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, derivatives can pay off on all sorts of inflationary outcomes (if the counterparty is solvent enough to pay—a big if).
—James Berman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Peter Sullivan, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
The question about Running Point getting a season 2 is not really an if, but a when.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
There is an if here, in other words.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2025
That’s a big if, needless to say.
—Willing Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025
If all goes well—and this is a huge if, Gialich readily acknowledges—Odin will fly by its target asteroid 301 days later.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Jan. 2025
There was an if-not-now-then-when feeling in Buffalo this week.
—Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
New experimental and theoretical results, new tools and private sector investment are all adding to our growing sense that developing practical fusion energy is no longer an if but a when.
—Farhat Beg, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Yes, derivatives can pay off on all sorts of inflationary outcomes (if the counterparty is solvent enough to pay—a big if).
—James Berman, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for if
Noun
-
What becomes more important is the ability to adapt, question assumptions, and think creatively.—
John Winsor,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
The rates are based on an assumption that workers are paid $15.75 an hour, although there's no requirement for employers to pay that rate.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Talking with detainees about living conditions is the most important part of a tour, Eskamani said.—
Kairi Lowery,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
-
Other health conditions: People with metabolic disorders like obesity or diabetes are at higher risk for developing MASH.—
Suchandrima Bhowmik,
Health,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
On Tuesday afternoon, when a reporter attempted to ask Bondi about the foreign-intelligence theory and the video-clock issue, Trump cut in.—
Kaitlyn Tiffany,
The Atlantic,
10 July 2025
-
Perpetuating unfounded theories about Epstein serves neither of those ends.—
Khaleda Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Revoking California’s waivers Under a provision of the Clean Air Act, California has the power to set vehicle-emission standards that are stricter than federal regulations.—
Elizabeth Kolbert,
New Yorker,
7 July 2025
-
The material should not be provided to any person in a jurisdiction where its provision or use would be contrary to local laws, rules, or regulations.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Assuming the roster gets back to full health, the givens ahead of Pelle in the rotation would be Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, Kel’el Ware, Andrew Wiggins and, perhaps, Davion Mitchell.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2025
-
There are some givens in the B’s lineup, as long as there’s good health.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
Select airports have begun to allow passengers to keep their shoes on while going through security checkpoints, and phasing out the requirement could soon extend to all airports nationwide.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 July 2025
-
The rates are based on an assumption that workers are paid $15.75 an hour, although there's no requirement for employers to pay that rate.—
Cleo Krejci,
jsonline.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Day, who plays Charlie Kelly on the sitcom, said there were no off-limits stipulations from the network.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
3 July 2025
-
There is also no stipulation in Kohberger’s plea agreement to prevent him from doing interviews with media or writing a book.—
Taylor Romine,
CNN Money,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
The United States economy is vastly different from ancient Rome’s, with one important exception: there remains today the same temptation to finance public promises with money created out of thin air.—
Dave Birnbaum,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
-
Any exceptions lawmakers want to carve out must be backed by a strong state interest that increases protections for minors.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“If.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/if. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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