but: meaning and words from its letters
3 letters · 5 letter points · starts with B · ends with T
Meaning of but
prep
Apart from, except (for), excluding.
Example: Everyone but Father left early.
Outside of.
Example: Away but the hoose and tell me whae's there.
Source: Wiktionary — but.
adv
- literary, not-comparable, poetic
Merely, only, just, no more than.
Example: Christmas comes but once a year, so we can but wait till then.
- Australia, Geordie, Scotland, conjunctive, not-comparable
Though, however.
Example: I'll have to go home early but.
- not-comparable
Used to repeat an adverb for emphasis; simply; just; absolutely.
Example: I would never, but never do such a thing!
Source: Wiktionary — but.
conj
However, although, nevertheless, on the other hand (introducing a clause contrary to prior belief or in contrast with the preceding clause or sentence).
Example: She is very old but still attractive.
On the contrary, rather (as a regular adversative conjunction, introducing a word or clause in contrast or contradiction with the preceding negative clause or sentence).
Example: I am not rich but [I am] poor. Not John but Peter went there.
- colloquial
Used at the beginning of a sentence to express opposition to a remark.
Example: But I never said you could do that!
Except that (introducing a subordinate clause which qualifies a negative statement); also, (archaic) with omission of the subject of the subordinate clause, acting as a negative relative, "except one that", "except such that".
Example: I cannot but feel offended.
Source: Wiktionary — but.
Adapted from Wiktionary contributors via Kaikki.org. Selected senses and forms; quotations omitted. Definition text is CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms by meaning
Words are grouped by sense, so they are not necessarily interchangeable in every context. Search synonyms for but.
adverb
and nothing more
Open English WordNet Team, 2025, derived from Princeton University WordNet; selected synonym groups under CC BY 4.0. Source · OEWN notice · Princeton notice.
Is but in our word lists?
| Word list | Status |
|---|---|
| American English | Found |
| British English | Found |
| Extended English | Found |
These are spelling-list matches, not official game validity checks. Check the rules and dictionary used by your game.
Letter-value score of but
B(3) + U(1) + T(1) = 5 points.
This is a sum of letter values without board bonuses or word multipliers. A blank tile is worth zero: subtract the value of each letter supplied by a blank. The score does not establish game validity. Full letter-value table.
Anagrams of but
1 other standard-list word uses exactly these letters, including repeated letters.
Shorter words from but
1 shorter standard-list words can be made using no letter more often than it occurs in but. Showing up to 24, longest first.