Showing results for "but"

a variation of butt.

Definitions

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

Not to retire or pursue a passion project, but to hedge their company stock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

“I think he’ll be super involved with not only the party but the process, and I welcome that as the chairman.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2026

As one trader puts it: “I don’t think my house is going to catch on fire, but I still have insurance.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

I’m naturally drawn to creative people, but not just the fashion crowd.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

She has scars from her longtime battle with skin lesions, but the new sores don’t appear as fast or as furiously as they had in the past.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

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

From Salon ● Mar. 24, 2026

But that's in the realms of ifs, buts and maybes.

From BBC ● Nov. 17, 2025

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

I’d had enough of all the big, stupid buts for one afternoon.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

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