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

With Samsung Electronics, AMD has been discussing not just chip supplies but the possibility of foundry cooperation, using Samsung’s most advanced process technology, according to reports.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

He didn’t then, but a few years later, he joined a program called Mahal, which dates to Israel’s 1948 founding and addressed a shortage of skilled military personnel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

McGovern said he recognised a need for "regimentation" in YOIs, but said he believed keep-aparts had increased following lockdown measures imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

My parents were middle-class and worked hard, but they never had much saved.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026

Once inside, she distributed the food, but also smuggled in notes and messages.

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

“He just does what he does, and there’s no ifs, ands or buts about it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2025

History is full of ifs and buts and maybes.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 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