but then
idiom
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
After the patient’s introduction in the series premiere, he’s discharged but then returns to the ER later in the day, again under the influence, and appears to just hang out.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
These funds come from taxpayers like you, me, and my kids who pay into the system but then have no say in how that money is used until the general election.
—Torsha Childs, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
According to the sheriff’s office and court records, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers responded to the accident, but then asked questions about his immigration status.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 Feb. 2026
At first the room was silent, but then a ripple of whispers spread.
—Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for but then
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
These funds come from taxpayers like you, me, and my kids who pay into the system but then have no say in how that money is used until the general election.
—Torsha Childs, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2026
According to the sheriff’s office and court records, Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers responded to the accident, but then asked questions about his immigration status.
—Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Watch, 12 Feb. 2026
At first the room was silent, but then a ripple of whispers spread.
—Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
