if only

idiom

—used to talk about something that one wants to happen or be true

If only she loved me in return!

If only it would stop raining.

Examples of if only in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Speaking to The Today Show in July 2021, Lucas expressed his desire to do a sequel — if only Reese Witherspoon could find time. —

Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 4 May 2024 Colangelo played a video for jurors of a rally in North Carolina, where Trump said that if only 5% or 10% of voters believed the stories, the campaign would lose. —

David Jackson, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024 While some will still be trying to wrap their head around the new sci-fi slant to the series, Farrell wasn’t dissuaded by it –– if only for the chance to celebrate Los Angeles. —

Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 May 2024 Even in his bold catalog, however, Lisztomania stands out if only for the incredible number of dicks. —

Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 23 Apr. 2024 What worked for Reagan may not for Republicans today, if only because of Mr. Trump’s support for the rioters who assaulted the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. —

Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024 The most interesting bit here is the relationship between Tamara and Rafaela, if only because Amber Iman is such an intriguing presence. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2024 And someone new will sit atop the leaderboard, if only for a moment. —

Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2024 Those who experience discomfort relief from CBD and melatonin are also likely to experience better sleep, if only indirectly. —

Medterra, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'if only.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.