but 1 of 3

as in except
not including brought everything but the kitchen table to the campground

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but

2 of 3

adverb

as in just
nothing more than she is but a child and too young to understand such things

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but

3 of 3

conjunction

as in excepting
if it were not for the fact that I would have said something but I was too chicken

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of but
Preposition
These assumptions are in need of scrutiny, not by comparison with other countries but of this country with itself a few generations ago. Marilynne Robinson, The New York Review of Books, 27 May 2020 Nick has more power but Joey is a bit more nimble -- everything else is essentially equal. John Owning, Dallas News, 27 May 2020
Adverb
Consider the original 18-to-20-inch base moldings in the living room, an element the client had first fallen in love with but that were all but wiped out. Katherine Burns Olson, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2024 Those who haven't but have sworn to it under the penalty of law are allowed to participate only in federal elections. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Conjunction
But campus leaders like Chancellor Vincent Fulginiti and many community donors had a bigger vision. Matthew Wynia, The Denver Post, 1 May 2017 Normally a chain moving here wouldn’t pique my interest too much, but this place has got some serious fans — called ‘ Allyson Reedy, The Know, 24 Apr. 2017 See All Example Sentences for but
Recent Examples of Synonyms for but
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Adverb
  • Either way, there’s no wrong answer—just the one that suits your next adventure best.
    Jill Schildhouse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Perry’s prop malfunction occurred just one day after Beyoncé experienced an onstage mishap of her own, when her flying car began to tip over mid-air during her June 29 performance in Houston.
    Michaela Zee, Variety, 1 July 2025
Adverb
  • Forecasters said environmental conditions are expected to only be marginally conducive for development of this system, and the hurricane center said the storm has a 10% chance of formation through the next seven days.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 8 July 2025
  • Stephenson was out only 13 months from Tommy John surgery before returning to the mound for two games in late May.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Preposition
  • But his death had many contributing factors besides being unable to breath while face down on the ground.
    Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati.com, 2 June 2020
  • The airline’s crew members and ground services personnel are undergoing detailed health check-ups at regular intervals, besides wearing protective gear at all times.
    Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 31 May 2020
Preposition
  • On a pond shore at a wildlife refuge in southeast Boise, beside the Idaho Shakespeare Festival grounds, recent Timberline High School graduate Ben Gallafent snagged the catch of the day.
    Alex Music July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
  • Another snap captured Johan holding up his diploma while Klum and Henry smiled beside him.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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