SINCE 1828
but then
idiomDefinition of but then
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.
Comments on but then
What made you want to look up but then? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Where in the World? A Quiz
-
- What language does pajama come from?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Where in the World? A Quiz
Do you know what languages these words come from?
Take the quiz -
Advanced Vocabulary Quiz
Tough words and tougher competition.
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
Dictionary Devil
The dictionary has been scrambled—can you put it back together?
Play the game
Share but then
Resources for but then