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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The Dancing With the Stars judging panel almost got through Wicked night without flying off the handle.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025 -
In September, a 130-unit building in Chicago’s South Shore was raided, with almost every one of the building’s residents — even children — being detained.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Recreate Witherspoon’s rich monochromatic look with these burgundy pants that are practically begging to be worn during holiday gatherings.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
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With such a wide array of benefits and potential savings, an Amazon Prime membership will practically pay for itself.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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At Target, for instance, the category’s sales have soared nearly 70% year-to-date and are expected to top $1 billion in annual revenue.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
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Atlanta failed to capitalize on that interception or on a pass-interference penalty against Deommodore Lenoir, who nearly had the 49ers’ first interception in 445 passes.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The Big Sugar Gravel Race will feature about 2,800 participants racing in 25-, 50- and 100-mile courses that begin and end in downtown Bentonville and loop up north, according to Rivard.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Oct. 2025
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Under Do’s board chairmanship, CalOptima CEO Michael Hunn’s pay was increased by about 50% in 2022 to $841,500 a year.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 2025.
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