but

[buht, buht] / bʌt, bət /

Part of Speech:

All (4) Conjunction (2) Preposition (2)

Jump To:

indicating contrast conj.
indicating an exception conj.
indicating contrast prep.
indicating an exception prep.

CONJUNCTION

indicating contrast

Synonyms

WEAK

although however nevertheless on the other hand still though yet

CONJUNCTION

indicating an exception

Synonyms

WEAK

aside from barring disregarding except not including omitting passing over without

PREPOSITION

indicating contrast

Synonyms

WEAK

although however nevertheless on the other hand still though

PREPOSITION

indicating an exception

Synonyms

WEAK

aside from barring disregarding except not including omitting passing over without

Usage

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.

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.

See Examples For:

but buts

It might be a fun wedding, but past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

Braverman declined to say how many seats were made available for $20: “It’s not a ton in most cases, but it’s enough to make the program meaningful.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

An invitation brings a smile to your face, but the fact that you were taken aback by the sender of the invite created just enough friction in the process to give you pause.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

The evidence implies that “AI-related labor market disruption remains relatively small in aggregate but is becoming progressively more visible in the data.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

The Philippines is rich with magical legends and folktales, but it’s rich with resources too—sugar, timber, gold, tobacco, and hemp, which can be used for paper, rope, and textiles.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

The money is now yours, no ifs, ands, or buts.

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

Like no ifs, ands, buts, Austin Reaves said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2024

But, as we all know, if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we’d … hmm, something about a candy store?

From Slate ● Aug. 19, 2024

Deputy Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Daniel Schaffer set a further hearing for 27 August, telling Ms Price: “You have to attend that date, no ifs or buts, no going abroad, no holidays.”

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2024

He really, actually, no buts about it, finishes.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

but

Usage

Example Sentences

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Related Words