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Definitions

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.

Twenty years is a long break, but life only gets shorter — you can’t wait for the iron to be hot before you strike, or there might not be an iron at all.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The Wegovy injectable pen is advertised at a monthly cost of $199 for specific dosages, but that jumps to $349 after two months.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

It may sound basic, but our study shows that just making women golfers not feel like outsiders can go a long way toward making them more comfortable on the course.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

She has the spine to hold her own against him, but it’s hard to play withholding, particularly when the film needs her character to be both the voice of reason and a politically correct scold.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

I desperately wanted to know what she’d done, but if it were possible to ask, I would have done it long ago.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith