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
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 Don’t call it a reboot, because, as many viewers have discovered, the new CBS drama Matlock starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates is everything but. Ronda Racha Penrice, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
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
  • The singer had just gotten off the road from her Strip Love arena tour.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • The Oilers got out in front early, scoring just 1:27 into the game off the stick of Adam Henrique, his second goal of the playoffs, which turned out to be all the Oilers would need.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Adverb
  • The bill now heads for a vote in the full House, where Speaker Johnson is operating under very tight margins: House Republicans have one of the thinnest majorities in history at 220-212, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose three members of his caucus if all Democrats are opposed.
    Nik Popli, Time, 22 May 2025
  • How many other shows, after all, could not only survive the death of a main cast member (Nicholas Colasanto during season 3) and the departure of a fan favorite (Shelley Long abruptly left after season 5), but thrive despite their absence?
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 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
  • In a social media post on May 19 that included a photo of himself beside his wife of almost 50 years, Biden thanked everyone who had offered support in response to the news of his cancer.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • The cat, perched beside Riley, was recorded gently licking the side of his canine sibling's face.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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