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 Heat trailed 20-18 at the end of the opening period, but then took a 41-33 lead into halftime and a 73-57 advantage into the fourth quarter.
—
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2024
Quintana struck out Brendan Rodgers, but then nearly gave up another homer to Jacob Stallings before Harrison Bader made a sliding catch to rob him of extra bases.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024
The lobbying intensified after Newsom proposed spending $54 billion on climate efforts in 2022 but then cut that funding to close recent massive budget deficits.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2024
Initially, police say the parents cooperated with their investigation, but then canceled a meeting with ISP investigators on Friday, June 28.
—Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for but then 
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2024
Quintana struck out Brendan Rodgers, but then nearly gave up another homer to Jacob Stallings before Harrison Bader made a sliding catch to rob him of extra bases.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2024
The lobbying intensified after Newsom proposed spending $54 billion on climate efforts in 2022 but then cut that funding to close recent massive budget deficits.
—Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2024
Initially, police say the parents cooperated with their investigation, but then canceled a meeting with ISP investigators on Friday, June 28.
—Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 3 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for but then
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'but then.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near but then
Cite this Entry
“But then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20then. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.
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