Synonyms

in case

Idioms

Also, just in case . If it should happen that. For example, In case he doesn't show up, we have a backup speaker . The variant also is used without a following clause to mean simply “as a precaution,” as in I took an umbrella just in case . [c. 1400]
in case of ; in the event of . If there should happen to be. For example, Here is a number to call in case of an emergency , or In the event of a power failure, we'll have to shift our plans . Similarly, in that case means “if that should happen,” as in You're alone in the store? In that case I'll bring your lunch . The first usage dates from the early 1700s, the second (with event ) from about 1600, and the third from the mid-1800s. Also see in any case ; in no case ; in the case of .

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.

“I wasn’t thinking, ‘I really need to make sure I stay in this ZIP Code in case I run for mayor,’” Pratt said in the video.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Spanish newspaper El País reported that aircraft would only be able to transit through Spain's airspace or land at the bases in case of emergency.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Well, if you use ChatGPT to plan it, maybe just bake in extra time in case things go awry.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2026

Just in case you’re still not scared, the taxpayer watchdog Open the Books explains the burden when applying a full Norrisian time scale:

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Ben put together a search team to comb the property, just in case they’d been injured somewhere and needed help.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023