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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.

It is a small but telling sign of the adjustment Morton has had to make since swapping Liverpool for Lyon last summer.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

It offers the customary plain benches inside, but other interior features, like an iron stove, sit outside.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

In the eighth, Drew Pomeranz gave up a one-out walk to Cal Raleigh and a single to Rodriguez but retired Naylor and Arozarena on a fly ball and a groundball, respectively.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

There are song-like arcs but also an undisturbed flow of improvisation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Sela and I weren’t enemies, but we weren’t exactly friends.

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.