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 said Voskanyan had a difficult life and a lot of problems but was deeply loved by friends and family.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026

It’s not at all clear that’s something he can do, but since when has that mattered?

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

The young girl is now in foster care and was described as happy and settled but it was reported that she remains hyper vigilant and sensitive to changes in her environment.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

But the white wine dominance could soon change -- threatened not by the war, but by climate change.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

She was firm, but pious, and persuaded the captain that she was not a witch.

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

History is full of ifs and buts and maybes.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2024

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