but 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of butnext
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

ˈbət How to pronounce but (audio)
as in yet
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
Despite the pleas for calm, the nation seemed anything but as a fitful week drew to a close. — Robert Klemko, Washington Post, 30 May 2020 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
Adverb
Things could get tricky with Sorsby wanting to enter the NFL; the league could let Sorsby enter but with strings, and maybe a suspension, attached. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 June 2026 While this might seem like the logical next step in the hiring process for a Ryan Murphy show, the suggestion felt anything but. — Connor Hines, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
Conjunction
The tech firm didn’t pull that video down, but reached out to police. — Queenie Wong, The Mercury News, 3 May 2017 But campus leaders like Chancellor Vincent Fulginiti and many community donors had a bigger vision. — Matthew Wynia, The Denver Post, 1 May 2017 See All Example Sentences for but
Recent Examples of Synonyms for but
  1. except
  2. just
  3. besides
  4. only
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
Definition of except
Adverb
  • But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Search and rescue efforts are only just beginning, and these first hours are filled with uncertainty, but also with hope.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of just
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
Definition of besides
Adverb
  • Lisa is seeing what this experience could be for her, which only emphasized just how bad her current situation on RHOSLC is.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • What Espada and his club did across the ensuing six days must only enhance Crane’s outlook.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of only

Phrases Containing but

Browse Nearby Words

busying
but
butch
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Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/but. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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