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
-
This frame, the project dips almost 20 spaces, falling from No. 125 to No. 144.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025 -
Pros: No break-in period; breathable; easy to style Cons: Some colorways are usually out of stock Reebok knows how to marry functionality and style, and the Club C 85s are the epitome of a classic, comfy shoe that can be worn with almost anything.—
April Benshosan,
Glamour,
14 July 2025
Adverb
-
Steve Madden Meadow Flats These adorable gingham ballet flats are practically begging to be worn with a flowy, white sundress.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 July 2025
-
Yearly beach trips are practically a prerequisite to being Southern.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 July 2025
Adverb
-
Excluding Israel and Ukraine, the United States spent nearly $52 billion on foreign aid last year.—
The Editors,
National Review,
14 July 2025
-
The Great East Japan Earthquake was a six-minute event that killed nearly 20,000 people and shifted the earth on its axis.—
Rebecca Chace
July 14,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
Adverb
-
Nationally, about $4 billion annually is returned by all 50 states to the rightful owners as the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators says that one in every seven Americans is owed money.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
25 July 2025
-
From 2002 to 2024, Brazil lost about 33.5 million hectares of primary forest, 47% of its total tree cover loss.—
Simi Thambi,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“All but.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all%20but. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share