Need another word for But? Use these synonyms of But from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
however
yet
though
although
notwithstanding
despite
on the other hand
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
nonetheless
in spite of
except
excluding
barring
save
minus
excluding
omitting
leaving out
excepting
sparing
saving
on the contrary
conversely
rather
instead
alternatively
whereas
while
meantime
meanwhile
nevertheless
nonetheless
nonetheless
still
however
although
though
even though
notwithstanding
regardless
on the one hand
in contrast
by contrast
in opposition
contrary
opposed
opposing
opposed to
as opposed to
vis-a-vis
as compared to
Meaning of But
The primary meaning of "But" is to introduce a contrast or an exception to what has been said before.
Definitions
- Used to introduce a contrast or an exception to what has been said before
- Used to indicate a restriction or a limitation
- Used to introduce an additional or unexpected point
Etymology of But
The word "But" has its roots in Old English "būt" or "būtan", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "būtiz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "pe-", both meaning "on the outside" or "except"
The word has been used in English since the 9th century to introduce a contrast or an exception
Example Uses
- I wanted to go to the party, but I had to study for my exam
- She loves reading books, but she doesn't have time for it anymore
- He is a good player, but he made a few mistakes in the game
- I was planning to travel, but the flight was cancelled
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
and
also
additionally
furthermore
moreover
besides
plus
along with
together with
as well as
meanwhile
meantime
while
whereas
however is not always an antonym and can be a synonym in certain contexts
yet is not always an antonym
though
although
still
nonetheless
instead
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
however is context dependent
also
too
likewise
similarly
and
plus
furthermore
moreover
additionally
besides