How to Use if need be in a Sentence

if need be

idiom
Definition of if need benext
  • Trump is their leader and, if need be, in the end, their martyr.
    — David Remnick, The New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2023
  • The 25-inch by 17-inch mats fit most standard ovens but can be cut if need be.
    — Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 2 Dec. 2023
  • Rea’s role would be to provide an inning here or there out of the bullpen if need be.
    — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2021
  • Wear it around the house or as an undershirt that can, if need be, also see the light of day.
    — Christian Gollayan, Men's Health, 15 Dec. 2022
  • Keep looking and, if need be, play the investors off against each other.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021
  • Pro tip: Start with one or two storage cabinets and and scale up to three, four, or more if need be.
    — Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day, 13 June 2023
  • Ukrainians know that there is not a question to be answered, only a life to be lived and, if need be, to be risked.
    — Timothy Snyder, The New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2022
  • The kit also comes with two large tool bags to keep all the tools neat when not in use, and to transport them from place to place safely if need be.
    — Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 2024
  • Some of the best stackable washer/dryer sets can be unstacked and used side by side if need be.
    — Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2023
  • Drivers, and players, who suffer hard hits are tested, and forced to sit out if need be.
    — Greg Engle, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
  • Let passengers have some time to themselves if need be.
    — Allie Volpe, Vox, 4 Aug. 2024
  • The scrunched hem on the bottom is the perfect way to seal in the warmth and the baggy fit allows for layers to be added underneath if need be.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Feb. 2023
  • Two tomato stakes and a piece of anti-aircraft netting can work just as well and are easy to pack in, pack out, and move if need be.
    — M.d. Johnson, Field & Stream, 11 July 2024
  • Time to exhale, wait, watch and react if need be in February.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2024
  • And in part because Siakam is a good enough ball handler to run the point if need be, Carlisle can feel more comfortable putting more size on the floor from 2-4.
    — Dustin Dopirak, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Jan. 2024
  • The biggest consideration is can the date be moved if need be?
    — Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2022
  • Hire someone to help you if need be and be mindful of the vast amount of internet website hucksters.
    — Wayne Bell, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2023
  • Hire someone to help you if need be and be mindful of the vast amount of internet website hucksters.
    — Wayne Bell, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2023
  • Some are laying backup plans for their children to leave the country without them if need be.
    — Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2022
  • Feel free to look for fresh work opportunities as well, if need be.
    — Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023
  • Ultimately, the state can shut the businesses down, if need be.
    — Bridget J. Crawford, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2022
  • On Tuesday, head coach Nick Saban offered up a few names who could return punts if need be.
    — Matt Stahl | [email protected], al, 15 Aug. 2023
  • There will be another two games Sunday and, if need be, one Monday.
    — oregonlive, 1 June 2023
  • The goal is to bring up problems, brainstorm solutions, and, if need be, agree on a fair compromise.
    — Julia Ries, SELF, 15 Apr. 2024
  • The standard is six to seven weeks, but LED light intensity strength can add or take off a week or two if need be.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2022
  • This FanDuel promo code allows bettors two kicks at the first bet can, if need be.
    — Gary Pearson | Catena Media, oregonlive, 5 Dec. 2022
  • Consider whether the decision is a one-way door (no coming back) or a two-way door (can be reversed if need be).
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 May 2023
  • Chopra Jonas wore a white one-piece swimsuit with a higher neckline that looked secure enough to run after a toddler, if need be.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 June 2024
  • Those supervisors said issues have improved without any changes, but pledged to use the code if need be.
    — Mallory Moench, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Oct. 2021
  • Would highly recommend and would purchase again if need be!
    — Women's Health, 21 Mar. 2023

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

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