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

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

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Examples 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
They were helmed on this night by the invaluable longtime wingman Mac McAnally, who handled lead vocals and emcee duties for a memorial service that felt like anything but. Kevin Jeffrey, SPIN, 12 Apr. 2024 Myles Doran His wit and dear friendship have made my work feel like anything but. Steve Hartman, CBS News, 16 Feb. 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
  • To name just one example: After an opening act filled with lurid cartel violence, Emilia Pérez gives us a comic number about gender-reassignment surgery.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The Bengals just punted — the third straight drive (by either team) that’s ended in a punt and fourth overall.
    NBC News, NBC News, 8 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • The 49ers’ only divisional win this season came by outlasting the Seahawks 36-24 in a Thursday night, Oct. 10 visit to Seattle.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Nichols was staying alone in the motel and had only been there a short time, Westminster police said in the time following her death.
    City News Service, Orange County Register, 16 Nov. 2024
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
  • Wardens and guards will continue assigning prison inmates to work in kitchens, clean prison yards or pick up trash beside highways.
    Thomas Elias, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Khai was also featured sitting beside her mom on a rollercoaster before the third slide featured her hugging Mickey Mouse.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near but

Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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