Showing results for "but"

a variation of butt.

Definitions

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

He’s less showy as a director but does shape several powerful set pieces—some sad, some crazy and some both.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 4, 2026

“I know there may be challenges ahead, but with my faith, my family, and so many people in my corner, I know we’ll get through this.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026

All but a handful of these proposals have passed, with the exception of measures on the ballot in Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota.

From Slate ● Nov. 4, 2026

That's what Iraola is trying to do at the moment, but it's just a question of how long it takes.

From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026

The leprosarium is funded by the government, but there isn’t enough money to hire staff or purchase basic supplies, especially after the ravages of war.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

But it's just a whole load of ifs, buts and maybes, isn't it?

From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026

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

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

but

Usage

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Random Word

Related Words