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
Congress previously voted to repeal the law, but then-President Joe Biden blocked the repeal with a presidential veto.
—
Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson dodged the bat while fielding the grounder, but then made a high throw to second and both runners were safe.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
The sisters had initially used the mansion as a dormitory for students, but then converted it into a residence for themselves for most of the period of their ownership.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The Dark Skys Pocket Planetarium doesn't share the same useful features of the National Geographic model, but then again, it's not designed to.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025
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Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson dodged the bat while fielding the grounder, but then made a high throw to second and both runners were safe.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
The sisters had initially used the mansion as a dormitory for students, but then converted it into a residence for themselves for most of the period of their ownership.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
The Dark Skys Pocket Planetarium doesn't share the same useful features of the National Geographic model, but then again, it's not designed to.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 3 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 2025.
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