Thesaurus.com

Popular Searches

 Dictionary.com
Showing results for but. Search instead for butu.
Definitions

but

[buht, buht] / bʌt, bət /
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.

Director Marc Munden said he had to initially remind the younger ones not to look at the camera, but they soon got the hang of it.

From BBC

About 7,000 oil-coated birds were picked up along the coast but "the amount killed would have been at least double that because a lot of them would have sunk offshore," he said.

From BBC

"I think I generated good opportunities to grab a break on him but he played really well, served really well on all the break points."

From Barron's

The teams may be new, but some tensions and contrasts are already evident.

From Barron's

"The team is maybe not sick, but it is struggling a lot. When it happens again and again like this, it's difficult."

From Barron's

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