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

The Sparks rally back from a 19-point deficit to make it one-point game late in the fourth quarter, but they can’t match Golden State in the final minute of an 84-78 loss.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

The Sparks pulled ahead in the fourth, but Phoenix tied it 81-81 with 3:33 remaining after a bucket from the Mercury’s top scorer Noémie Brochant.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

Losing not just one parent, but two, was "traumatic" for Cat and her three younger siblings, leaving them "so bewildered" by what had happened, she said.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

The Sparks have lost nine of their past 11 games, but both teams are still fighting for a playoff spot with fewer than a dozen games remaining.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

The prisoners hope for liberation, but they know the American and Filipino troops face a tough battle ahead.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes surrounding Isak at the moment, but over the next two or three weeks we will find out a lot more about how things could pan out.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2025

Tracy Brown is here for the “Star Wars” prequel “Andor,” no ifs, ands or buts: “All of the women in ‘Andor’ deserve their flowers.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 23, 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

I’d had enough of all the big, stupid buts for one afternoon.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

but

Usage

Example Sentences

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Related Words