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

As the door closes behind her owner, Willow first attempts to follow, but then sits by the door, staring at where her owner has gone. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

The bone was massive and examined initially, but then was forgotten for the better part of two decades, according to a news release shared with McClatchy News by study author Felipe Pinheiro. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025

And originally Luca had a scheduling conflict, but then that fell through at the last minute. —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025

The man had his eyes on the $625 million Mega Millions jackpot, but then another game caught his attention. —Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for but then

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