as in except
not including
brought everything but the kitchen table to the campground
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025
The film frames Sonny as the underdog but treats him like anything but.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 3 July 2025
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
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
That's where the spinoff picks up, and of course, the co-parents and maybe-couple's happy ending is everything but.
—Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 24 July 2025
The film frames Sonny as the underdog but treats him like anything but.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 3 July 2025
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
-
What about Tyler Conklin, whose previous annual average value, per Sportac, was just about $3 million?—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
-
That’s why an X-ray telescope that would be superior in those regards has so much discovery potential just awaiting it.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Mar. 2026
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
Adverb
-
But even in 2000 when Hope VI grants allowed for Laurel Homes to be replaced, residents were distrustful, in part, because only 1,100 units were going up.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Laundry Detergent Sheets Part of what makes believing in the power of carry-on packing only for longer trips difficult is the challenge of having clean clothes.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
