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
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
That’s another reason why the company is marketing the product to people who have taken the drugs in the past, but then do not want to gain the weight back.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Teaching can be a tough job, but then something happens that makes all the effort worth it.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Suffice to say, any sane person would have immediately reported the guest’s untimely demise to the authorities — but then, of course, there would be no movie.
—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
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Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 21 June 2025
That’s another reason why the company is marketing the product to people who have taken the drugs in the past, but then do not want to gain the weight back.
—Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Teaching can be a tough job, but then something happens that makes all the effort worth it.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Suffice to say, any sane person would have immediately reported the guest’s untimely demise to the authorities — but then, of course, there would be no movie.
—Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.
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