anything but

phrase

: not at all
He looked anything but happy.
Though he said he was happy, he looked anything but.
This problem is anything but new.

Examples of anything but in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
These critters may look cute and cuddly, but their sharp claws are anything but. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026 According to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, Melania is anything but upset at Harp’s presence. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 28 Aug. 2026 Numerous stars were injured, and the play on the field for much of the year has been anything but enjoyable to watch. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 While Reficco and Lindez eventually formed a strong bond, their initial meeting was anything but. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anything but

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anything but.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anything%20but. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster