but 1 of 3

Definition of butnext
as in except
not including brought everything but the kitchen table to the campground

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but

2 of 3

adverb

as in just
nothing more than she is but a child and too young to understand such things

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but

3 of 3

conjunction

as in yet
if it were not for the fact that I would have said something but I was too chicken

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of but
Preposition
Despite the pleas for calm, the nation seemed anything but as a fitful week drew to a close. Robert Klemko, Washington Post, 30 May 2020 These assumptions are in need of scrutiny, not by comparison with other countries but of this country with itself a few generations ago. Marilynne Robinson, The New York Review of Books, 27 May 2020
Adverb
With its measurement in dollars an every-minute concept, its capacity to referee transactions is anything but. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026 While cat videos are common, Niska and her muted coloring are anything but. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026
Conjunction
The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police. Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017 But campus leaders like Chancellor Vincent Fulginiti and many community donors had a bigger vision. Matthew Wynia, The Denver Post, 1 May 2017 See All Example Sentences for but
Recent Examples of Synonyms for but
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Adverb
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • Now that the news is out, ENHYPEN is doing more than just showing up for a panel.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Preposition
  • But his death had many contributing factors besides being unable to breath while face down on the ground.
    Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati.com, 2 June 2020
  • The airline’s crew members and ground services personnel are undergoing detailed health check-ups at regular intervals, besides wearing protective gear at all times.
    Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 31 May 2020
Adverb
  • Potentially, this is why the digital artefacts in the time capsule are only in the Notes app; there’s no need to ask Apple for permission to access the iPhone’s core functionality to open them.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • But Vakulenko of Carnegie believes supply problems in Moscow are real, thanks not only to the June attacks but multiple strikes on refineries in the surrounding regions that supply the capital.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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