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

Herzog’s adventurous spirit has led him to explore the furthest reaches of the globe, but also inward to map the strangest recesses of the heart.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

“I hope to keep making records, but I also have the understanding that I have the freedom and liberation to be able to make a record and not necessarily worry about its commercial prospects.”

From Salon ● Sep. 18, 2026

Don Trump Jr.’s wedding had everything: a private island, fireworks, a Funfetti cake airlifted in from Florida—everything but the groom’s dad.

From Slate ● Sep. 18, 2026

There are no Canadian teams in the NFL - but there are millions of fans.

From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026

The obituary states that she has no immediate survivors, but of course, that is not true.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

“He just does what he does, and there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2025

Ms Price is due in court on 27 August over her finances and was told to attend "no ifs or buts" by a judge earlier this month.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 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

We rise on our yeses and maybes, Then fall on our noes and our buts.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

but

Usage

Example Sentences

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Related Words