but 1 of 3

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

but

2 of 3

adverb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 earthquake's epicenter was situated approximately 7 miles south of Tres Pinos and occurred at a depth of just 3 miles.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025
  • With their season opener just days away, Brian Daboll is reluctant to show his hand in regards to the depth chart.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • They will be charged either the tariff rates the United States has on their countries of origin or flat fees of $80 to $200 — the latter option available to postal carriers only in the first six months.
    Kayla Steinberg, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Thousands of hopefuls apply each year, but only 12 are chosen to compete in the 10-week contest.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 29 Aug. 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 the photo, Parker, 21, is seen blowing out the candles on her birthday cake with Bronny beside her.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Carpenter spoke with Morning Edition host Leila Fadel about the challenges of relationships, her controversial album cover, which depicts her kneeling beside a man who is pulling her hair, and the new songs featured on the album.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on but

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!