as in almost
very close to but not completely
dinner is all but on the table, so don't go anywhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all but
Adverb
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The rule almost failed, however, when six Republicans halted action on the floor by initially voting against the procedural measure.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Sep. 2025 -
That was a big ask and Mac Jones was great… Kyle asked him to throw almost 40 times on the road and there’s no George Kittle.—
Robert Marvi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Ruching on the sleeves and a darling keyhole neckline are thoughtful touches that’ll help this top stand out from others in your collection, and the deep colors and whimsical pattern are practically destined for your fall wardrobe.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Sep. 2025
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But practically speaking, the weather in Munich, Germany is not exactly desirable in October—the days are shorter, which translates to less party time and fewer people in attendance.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Adverb
-
The modern smartphone debuted in 2007 -- nearly 20 years ago -- but school cellphone issues were exacerbated over the last few years, according to educators who spoke to ABC News.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
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But that defense honestly looks pretty weak in light of the federal government’s contention that Google has a search monopoly, controlling nearly 90% of the market.—
Andy Meek,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Passenger train travel time between Milan and Genoa will be cut to about an hour from more than 1½ hours.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
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He had been wanted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the suffocation deaths of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, of Wenatchee in Chelan County, about 150 miles east of Seattle.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“All but.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all%20but. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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