Advertisement

View definitions for but

but

conjunction as in indicating contrast

conjunction as in indicating an exception

preposition as in indicating contrast

preposition as in indicating an exception

Advertisement

Discover More

Example Sentences

And more I cannot explain/but you, from what I did not say/will infer what I do not say.

And there is always the easy-but-true charge of Hollywood hypocrisy.

Sheets of bright-but-not-too-bright blue streaked with thin clouds.

And in those conflicts, the Predator would be all-but-useless.

And we all remember good-but-overpraised songs like If I Had a Hammer and the treacly classic Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

When he first worked her she had the old bee-but boiler, 24 feet in diameter.

Till now one with sudden hiss: "But-good Christ-just look-why, the roof's leaning—!"

Our friend with his infinite variety and flexibility, we know-but can we put him in?

Eligible single gentlemen pass and repass-but there is no invitation for to inquire within or without.

And again there came to Honoria that ache of longing for the but-half-disclosed glory and fulness of life.

Discover More

When To Use

What are other ways to say but?

The conjunction but marks an opposition or contrast, though in a casual way: We are going, but we shall return. However indicates a less marked opposition, but displays a second consideration to be compared with the first: We are going; however (“notice this also”), we shall return. Nevertheless implies a concession, something which should not be forgotten in making a summing up: We are going; nevertheless (“do not forget that”), we shall return. Still implies that in spite of a preceding concession, something must be considered as possible or even inevitable: We have to go on foot; still (“it is probable and possible that”), we’ll get there. Yet implies that in spite of a preceding concession, there is still a chance for a different outcome: We are going; yet (“in spite of all, some day”), we shall return.

Synonym of the day

Which one is a synonym for jagged?Get the answer

Start each day with the Synonym of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

On this page you'll find 48 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to but, such as: although, however, nevertheless, on the other hand, still, and though.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement