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.

Pepi also has 13 goals in 35 internationals but only played 36 minutes for the US between November 2024 and April this year, which seems strange.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Jonathan Pearce: The goalscoring hopes for the joint-hosts would appear to rest heavily on the shoulders of Fulham's Raul Jimenez but they also have a brilliant prospect for the future in Gonzalez.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Billed as the new poster boy for Bosnian football, the German-born winger has often been used as a substitute at international level, including both play-off ties, but started both friendlies before the World Cup.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Yassine signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Strasbourg in January so is surely on the radar of their partner club Chelsea but has already been linked with Barcelona.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

She’s thirty-one but feels like an anxious child on a field trip.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

but

Usage

Example Sentences

Related Words