but
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for but, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Conjunction — Used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use but
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English butan, meaning "outside of, except," itself built from be- plus out.
Full origin of but →Frequently asked questions
What does “but” mean?
The word “but” means used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said. In plain terms, the all-purpose word for contrast ("I like it, but...") or for meaning "except" ("all but one").
How do you pronounce “but”?
“But” is pronounced BUHT (/ˈbʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “but” in a sentence?
Here is “but” used in a sentence: “I wanted to go, but I was too tired.”
What is another word for “but”?
Words with a similar meaning to “but” include abbur.
What part of speech is “but”?
Depending on how it is used, “but” can be a conjunction, a preposition and an adverb.
Where does the word “but” come from?
The word “but” comes from Old English. From Old English butan, meaning "outside of, except," itself built from be- plus out.
Is “but” a common word?
“But” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “but” have?
“But” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said.
What is the difference between "but" and "however"?
Both introduce a contrast, but "but" is a conjunction that joins two clauses inside one sentence ("It was cold, but we went out"), while "however" is an adverb that usually starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon ("It was cold. However, we went out."). "However" also sounds more formal.
Can you start a sentence with "but"?
Yes. Starting a sentence with "but" is grammatically acceptable and common in professional writing, where it throws weight onto a contrast. The old schoolroom rule against it was a style preference rather than a rule of grammar; just avoid leaning on it too often in formal documents.
What is the difference between "but" and "yet"?
Both signal contrast, and in many sentences they are interchangeable. "Yet" tends to introduce something surprising given what came before ("simple yet effective"), carrying a slightly stronger sense of the unexpected, and it can sound more formal or literary than "but."