all but

adverb

Definition of all butnext
as in almost
very close to but not completely dinner is all but on the table, so don't go anywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for all but
  1. almost
  2. practically
  3. nearly
  4. about
Adverb
  • Trump on Tuesday said that while almost all the incoming fire in Jordan was stopped, some made it through.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • Skubal pitched in a major-league game only 38 days after surgery, a feat that almost feels forgotten given all that has happened around him.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of almost
Adverb
  • Shop standouts like this vacation-ready crochet pick that’s practically begging to be worn on the beach.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • These flowy palazzo pants are practically made for summer travel days.
    — Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of practically
Adverb
  • Jaime Diez, a veteran immigration attorney based in Brownsville, Texas, recently had almost 20 cases called in one day, nearly 10 times his previously normal pace.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The optics became nearly as problematic as the financial structure itself.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of nearly
Adverb
  • Uptown’s First Ward Park became a scene of resistance Saturday evening when about 75 people gathered to mourn two men who were fatally shot by ICE this month.
    — Noah Vinsky July 25, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026
  • Miller said the job posting will go up in early August, stay open for about a month, and then in September, the city will start screening candidates.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 26 July 2026
Definition of about
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.

Browse Nearby Words

allays
all but
all clear
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“All but.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all%20but. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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