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.

See Examples For:

but buts

The bills differ in detail but converge on one principle: data centers pay their own costs.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

It was another reminder of Pogacar’s sublime talent but also his panache.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Yet, Inouye-Perez and Fernandez not only chose to stick around the game, but to reinvest their time in furthering the league and sport altogether.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

Bryans said in the 1990s a lot of people "were reluctant to come to Northern Ireland, but when they heard Gerry Kelly" they all wanted to be on the show.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

It is a painful way to exist in the world, but Joey rarely complains.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

On Wednesday, Wenders said the actress "should have been better protected back then", adding: "For that, I apologise to you, Nastassja, unreservedly, no ifs and buts."

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

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

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