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
DeMonaco assumed all those directors would pass and Nadeau would be rehired, but then the unexpected happened: Coppola said yes.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
Wilson misfired on a subsequent pass but then completed a 20-yarder to Tyreek Hill and then had a 10-yard completion to Dee Eskridge.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Walz seemed to agree but then retreated to platitudes.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
The show also glosses over her first singles title, which seemed strange to me, but then there’s a lot to cover in such a life.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
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.
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
Wilson misfired on a subsequent pass but then completed a 20-yarder to Tyreek Hill and then had a 10-yard completion to Dee Eskridge.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
Walz seemed to agree but then retreated to platitudes.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
The show also glosses over her first singles title, which seemed strange to me, but then there’s a lot to cover in such a life.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
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 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share