all but

adverb

: very nearly : almost

would be all but impossible

Synonyms

• almost
• practically
• nearly
• just about
• about

Examples of all but in a Sentence

Without you the job would have been all but impossible.

We had all but given up hope.

Word History

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all but

• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut
• hindgut
• midgut
• precut
• rebut

Kids Definition

all but

adverb

: very nearly : almost

would be all but impossible