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.

See Examples For:

but buts

I’m sure you know this, but I want to emphasize that your cost of living is about to go up considerably.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

Shareholders voted to retain Masino in November, but the company removed another board member.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

Scientists have long suspected that inherited genetics helps explain these differences, but obtaining direct evidence from human studies has been difficult.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026

I’m definitely biased, but you’re moving to the best city in the world.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

The diary is precious to him, but it is also dangerous.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

Like no ifs, ands, buts, Austin Reaves said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 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

Ms Price is due in court on 27 August over her finances and was told to attend "no ifs or buts" by a judge earlier this month.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2024

He really, actually, no buts about it, finishes.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

but

Usage

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words