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
That production change at SK Battery Park will mean some 1,600 employees there will be laid off, but then Ford will hire 2,100 new people and the former workers are welcome to apply for one of the new jobs.
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Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Before the government completed Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, the Colorado raged through Grand Canyon in the spring but then slowed and warmed as snowmelt faded in summer.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Officials initially called Collins for a foul, but then overturned the call after watching the replay and awarded the Bulls the ball ruling that Collins had not made contact with Knueppel.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Rooting cuttings in water involves less care at the onset, but then requires transplanting cuttings to soil.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for but then
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Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
Before the government completed Glen Canyon Dam in 1963, the Colorado raged through Grand Canyon in the spring but then slowed and warmed as snowmelt faded in summer.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Officials initially called Collins for a foul, but then overturned the call after watching the replay and awarded the Bulls the ball ruling that Collins had not made contact with Knueppel.
—CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025
Rooting cuttings in water involves less care at the onset, but then requires transplanting cuttings to soil.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 2025.
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