but 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

but

2 of 3

adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

but

3 of 3

conjunction

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
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 Nick has more power but Joey is a bit more nimble -- everything else is essentially equal. John Owning, Dallas News, 27 May 2020
Adverb
Don’t call it a reboot, because, as many viewers have discovered, the new CBS drama Matlock starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates is everything but. Ronda Racha Penrice, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 And on Sunday, in a 4-3 walk-off loss to the Detroit Tigers that sent the club into the All-Star break with a series defeat and losses in eight of their last 10 games, the Dodgers did anything but. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2024
Conjunction
But campus leaders like Chancellor Vincent Fulginiti and many community donors had a bigger vision. Matthew Wynia, The Denver Post, 1 May 2017 Normally a chain moving here wouldn’t pique my interest too much, but this place has got some serious fans — called ‘ Allyson Reedy, The Know, 24 Apr. 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
  • That's just the beginning of Natalia's story, though.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • It’s made from 100% luxury brushed microfiber that’s soft and silky, and the filling is just the right weight for all seasons.
    Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025
Adverb
  • The use of the legislative fund needs approval only from legislative leaders.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This deeper level of engagement not only informs new office designs but can increases employees’ sense of ownership of it.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
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
Preposition
  • On a recent evening, a few hundred students gathered at the Institute, the Church’s center beside the U’s campus.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Verstappen starts seventh, beside Carlos Sainz, who has had his best start since joining Williams ahead of this season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on but

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!