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

That’s a loss of more than 35% — but then, bitcoin is notoriously volatile. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

So, it’s rooted in something very local and regional, but then the grander issues are quite universal. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026

According to some data, 70% of traders lose money on Polymarket, but then again some people hit the jackpot. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026

Caminiti said he was discharged in late December 1945, but then was recalled during the Korean War. —Helen I. Bennett, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for but then

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