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 something

His 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

It’s got a tight section underneath the bridge, but then it’s got a fast, flowing first sector. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 May 2025

McClain and Ayers built and mounted the upper triangle of the mast canister modification kit, as well as the right struts, but then were instructed to clean up their workstations and move on to the next, higher priority task. —Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 May 2025

Some of the newbies will pull over, but then leave their doors open, another accident waiting to happen. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

The stock market surged early Wednesday but then steadily lost momentum as investors digested news of a possible trade deal with China and President Trump's dismissal of any plans to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025

Rhymes for but then

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen