Find Synonyms

but Synonyms

Another word for but

Choosing another word for but depends on context, so the 35 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
JUMP TO:

• conjunction (Context 1)

Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

Usage Example

"She wanted to attend the concert, yet the tickets were already sold out."

Strongest
yet
however
Strong
nevertheless
nonetheless
still
though
although
whereas

• conjunction (Context 2)

Used to indicate what is true or the case after a negative statement; on the contrary.

Usage Example

"The lecture was not boring, on the contrary rather deeply engaging and informative."

Strongest
on the contrary
Strong
instead
rather
conversely

• preposition (Context 3)

Except; apart from; other than.

Usage Example

"Everyone except the team captain had already left the locker room."

Strongest
except
apart from
other than
aside from
Strong
save
barring
excluding
besides
bar

• adverb (Context 4)

No more than; only; merely.

Usage Example

"Life is only a brief journey, so we should make the most of every day."

Strongest
only
merely
simply
just
Strong
solely
purely

• noun (Context 5)

An objection, reservation, or exception (usually used in the plural).

Usage Example

"Please finish your homework right now, and I do not want to hear any ifs or buts."

Strongest
objection
excuse
Strong
reservation
quibble
protest
qualm
demur
cavil

Opposites of but

The opposite of but shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

including
counting
and
See all opposites of but

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for But. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/but
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.