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 somethingHis 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
Media coverage built these founders up—but then contributed to their fall.
—
Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The two commissioners were outspoken supporters of enacting a rural boundary to protect rural lands from sprawl – a measure which won 73% of the votes cast on the issue by county voters, but then nullified by legislators months later.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Armstrong initially agreed to an interview with NPR through a spokeswoman but then indefinitely postponed.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
DeMonaco assumed all those directors would pass and Nadeau would be rehired, but then the unexpected happened: Coppola said yes.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for but then
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Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025
The two commissioners were outspoken supporters of enacting a rural boundary to protect rural lands from sprawl – a measure which won 73% of the votes cast on the issue by county voters, but then nullified by legislators months later.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Armstrong initially agreed to an interview with NPR through a spokeswoman but then indefinitely postponed.
—Rob Stein, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025
DeMonaco assumed all those directors would pass and Nadeau would be rehired, but then the unexpected happened: Coppola said yes.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for but then
Cite this Entry
“But then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20then. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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