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

TOKYO—The Japanese economy notched a third consecutive quarter of growth, but at a slower pace as household and corporate spending weakened.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

Hurst and Basey rallied to cut the deficit to 8-7, but Benesh ended the scoring drought with a monster block.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

Opening lots of accounts in quick succession could dent your record, but closing an old one may boost your score.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

Cheng and Kraft tied the set at 15, but Brasher and Cruz pulled ahead for the 21-18 win.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

Gertie’s father tried to send her away, but it didn’t work.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

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

Katie Price has been warned by a judge she must attend a further court hearing with "no ifs or buts", after she was arrested at Heathrow Airport.

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 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

She didn’t wait for any ifs, ands, or buts from me.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

but

Usage

Example Sentences

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Related Words