Thesaurus results for BUT

but 1 of 3

preposition

Definition of but next

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

as in excepting

if it were not for the fact that I would have said something but I was too chicken

Synonyms & Similar Words

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