none but

phrase

somewhat formal

: no person or kind of person except : only

a sport for none but the most brave

It was a request that none but the most coldhearted (person) could refuse.

Examples of none but in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

May none but Honest and Wise Men ever rule under this Roof. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026

Brian Robinson had five carries (20 yards) and rookie Jordan James had none but suited up for the first time, in place of Isaac Guerendo. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025

Rhymes for none but

• butternut
• cocoanut
• coconut
• hazelnut
• undercut
• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut

Video

Is 'none' singular or plural?

Or both? Or neither?