but then
phrase
1
—used to introduce a statement that adds another and different thought to a preceding statement
I'm surprised to hear that Tom has left the army. But then I suppose he never was the type to obey orders.
—sometimes used to introduce an explanation for somethingHis cakes are amazing—but then he did study with some of the best pastry chefs in the world.
2
—used to introduce a statement that tells about something different or surprising that happened next
The team won the first two games, but then failed to win any of the next five.
Examples of but then in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Raquel missed a clothesline attempt, but then clotheslined the hell out of Maxxine on her second try.
—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
One of the most astute plot points involves the Minions finding early success as actors in Hollywood during the silent era but then losing their status as the talkies took over, revealing their puny, screechy voices.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Sure, one robot landed a backflip—but then a piece of it broke off and flew toward the crowd.
—
Stephen Witt,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
The Friday opener had periods of rain showers but then the sun came out in time for a bright pink sky and golden hour sunset lighting.
—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for but then
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Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
One of the most astute plot points involves the Minions finding early success as actors in Hollywood during the silent era but then losing their status as the talkies took over, revealing their puny, screechy voices.
—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Sure, one robot landed a backflip—but then a piece of it broke off and flew toward the crowd.
—
Stephen Witt,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
The Friday opener had periods of rain showers but then the sun came out in time for a bright pink sky and golden hour sunset lighting.
—
Karie Angell Luc,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for but then
Cite this Entry
“But then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20then. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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