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

As the game entered stoppage time, the algorithm was on course for a rare correct scoreline, but then Wolves teenager Tom Edozie struck and Arsenal substitute Riccardo Calafiori could only divert the ball into the net, blowing the title race wide open. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

Ilana is taken to a quiet room out of the way and meets with Al-Hashimi, but then Dana takes over the entire process. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026

Judges have granted many of those petitions, but then later found the administration was violating their orders to release people or provide them with other relief. —Sudhin Thanawala, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026

Investigators say a board member told them Hernandez used to be employed by the former property management company as the building's general maintenance employee, but then was placed on the building's direct payroll in 2024 when Obismo took over. —Anna McAllister, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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