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

This led to many deals that initially traded well but then crashed. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 1 July 2025

Witt trotted on the field but then retreated to the dugout. —Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025

In the video, Perez is on the ground but then stands up to take a step towards police, who were on the other side of a chain fence. —Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025

The shoes, which range from $255 to $345, only caused slight rubbing for the first wear, but then shaped themselves to her feet, thanks to the Italian leather. —Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 21 June 2025

Rhymes for but then

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