as in almost
very close to but not completely
dinner is all but on the table, so don't go anywhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all but
Adverb
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On Thursday, Aug 7, the singer, who gave birth to a son almost two weeks after testifying in Combs' criminal trial in May, posted a video on her Instagram Stories about her postpartum journey.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025 -
Regardless, Guralnick makes the case that Elvis’ decline caused Parker an almost unbearable amount of pain.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Below are a handful (of the countless) sets and design choices Scruton and crew had their hands in developing – all of which were guided by creator Tim Burton’s preferred choice to shoot things practically in-camera.—
Daron James,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
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Kivel’s narration remains droll and nonchalant, practically taunting the reader, as Evie’s circumstances become more and more absurd.—
Lora Kelley,
New Yorker,
7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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The stock, which several analysts say is wildly overvalued (with a market cap valuing it at around 100 times its annual revenue), has shot up nearly 600% from a year ago.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
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Over 22,000 cases of Type 2 diabetes were documented during the nearly 40-year time period.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adverb
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Well, now imagine what that would look like from about 250 miles above.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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The event draws about 30,000 musicians, singers and fans.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
18 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“All but.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all%20but. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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