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

Skowronska-Krawczyk says uncertainty surrounding federal research funding has created concerns about future support for this type of work, but she remains confident that "we will prevail."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026

“They went quick, but gosh he had something to finish with.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

They were allowed to keep their duke and duchess of Sussex titles, but lost other monarchy privileges.

From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026

In the 2024 general election, the Labour government promised to build 1.5 million homes in England by the end of the decade but housebuilders have warned the target could be missed.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

She can’t really hear God’s voice booming through the trees, but she pretends she does, because she’s imagining that she is Joan of Arc.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

Katie Price has arrived at court to be questioned over her bankruptcies after being warned by a judge that she must attend with "no ifs or buts".

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 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

Katie Price has been warned by a judge she must attend a further court hearing with "no ifs or buts", after she was arrested at Heathrow Airport.

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2024

“We’re in this together. One of us goes to the colony, all three of us go to the colony. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

but

Usage

Example Sentences

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