22 Other Ways to Say BUT | Synonyms for But (Examples)

Here we talk about easy and useful ways to say “but” in simple English. Words like however, yet, and although can help you sound more natural and clear. These different options can make your writing and speaking feel smoother. In this article, you will learn 22 simple synonyms you can use instead of “but.”

22 Different Ways to Say BUT: Another Word for But

However

However is a helpful word you can use when you want to show a small or big change in an idea. It works well when you want to introduce something surprising or different from what you said before. This synonym fits both speaking and writing because it sounds natural and clear. It is often used when you want to sound a little more careful or thoughtful. People use it to show a contrast without sounding too strong. It is one of the most common replacements for but.

• I wanted to go out; however, it started raining.
• She studied hard; however, she still felt nervous.
• I like the plan; however, I think we need more time.

Yet

Yet is short, simple, and great for quick everyday speech. It shows a contrast that feels natural, and it works well when something unexpected happens. Many people choose this word because it sounds smooth and easy to say. It brings a soft change in ideas without feeling too formal. You can use it in writing or conversation without making the sentence heavy. It often surprises the listener or reader a little.

• He was tired, yet he kept working.
• She felt scared, yet she tried again.
• The movie was long, yet it was fun.

Still

Still works well when something continues even though another thing could stop it. It shows that something stays the same despite a challenge or change. This synonym lets you sound calm and clear because it adds a soft contrast. People like using still because it makes a sentence simple and easy to understand. You can use it in everyday talk or writing. It keeps your message friendly and natural.

• I was tired, still I finished the task.
• She felt unsure, still she agreed to help.
• It was cold, still we went for a walk.

Though

Though is a friendly and common way to show contrast without sounding too formal. People use it at the end or beginning of a sentence to make ideas flow smoothly. It connects two different thoughts in a soft way. This word feels natural in casual talk because it is short and easy. It can also fit in writing when you want a relaxed tone. It helps show a calm change between ideas.

• I liked the meal, though it was a bit spicy.
• She smiled, though she felt nervous.
• We were late, though the event had not started.

Although

Although is a helpful way to show contrast in a gentle and clear manner. It is slightly more formal than though but not too formal for everyday speaking. You can use it when you want to show a difference between two ideas calmly. It helps you express something surprising without sounding strong. People often use it at the beginning of sentences. It works well in writing because it sounds neat and smooth.

• Although it was raining, we still went outside.
• Although he was new, he learned quickly.
• Although she was tired, she finished the project.

Even though

Even though gives a stronger feeling compared to although. It shows a bigger difference or a stronger contrast between ideas. You can use it when something surprising happens despite another thing. Many people use it when they want to emphasize the contrast. It works great in both speech and writing. It keeps your meaning clear without sounding complicated. This synonym helps you express unexpected results.

• Even though it was late, they kept talking.
• Even though she was scared, she tried.
• Even though we planned well, things changed.

Only

Only can take the place of but when you want to show a small problem or limit. It makes your sentence sound more casual and friendly. You can use it in conversation easily because it is simple and short. It helps point out a small difference or barrier without sounding too negative. Many people use it for light contrast. It adds a soft and gentle shift in meaning.

• I wanted to join, only I had no time.
• He tried to call, only his phone died.
• We liked the idea, only the price was high.

Except

Except shows a limit or something that does not fit with the rest. It is useful when you want to point out one thing that is different. It works like but when you are talking about exclusions. You can use it in both casual and formal situations. It keeps your sentence clear and direct. It helps you highlight the one part that stands out from the others. It is simple and easy to understand.

• Everyone came, except John.
• I liked everything, except the ending.
• She agreed to help, except on weekends.

Even so

Even so shows that something still happens despite a reason for it not to. It offers a calm contrast that feels polite and thoughtful. You can use it when you want to show that something continues in an unexpected way. It fits nicely in writing when you want a smooth transition. It also works in speaking when you want to sound clear. It helps explain surprising actions or results.

• It was cold; even so, we went outside.
• She was tired; even so, she smiled.
• The task was hard; even so, he finished it.

That said

That said is a casual and simple way to show contrast. It helps you shift from one idea to another while keeping the tone friendly. People use it when they want to add a new point that softens or changes the earlier idea. It works well in both speaking and writing. It makes your message feel balanced. It is a nice and light way to express a different thought.

• I like the plan; that said, we may need more time.
• He was confident; that said, he practiced a lot.
• The movie was long; that said, it was fun.

At the same time

At the same time helps show two ideas that contrast but still connect. It feels thoughtful and clear. You can use it when you want to accept one idea while adding another different one. It works smoothly in writing, especially when explaining more complex thoughts in easy words. It also fits well in speaking. It makes your point sound balanced and fair.

• The game was fun; at the same time, it was tiring.
• She felt happy; at the same time, she worried.
• I want to travel; at the same time, I need to save money.

In contrast

In contrast helps you show a clear difference between two ideas. It is useful when you want to highlight how two things are not the same. Many people use it in writing because it sounds clean and correct. It helps you compare ideas easily. You can also use it in conversation when you want to share a clear difference. It shows contrast in a direct and simple way.

• The room was bright; in contrast, the hall was dark.
• She is quiet; in contrast, her brother is loud.
• The morning was cold; in contrast, the afternoon was warm.

Nevertheless

Nevertheless is a polite and formal-sounding way to show contrast. It works well when you want to explain that something happened even though there was a reason it might not. People often use it in writing, but it can also fit in careful conversation. It keeps your sentence smooth and clear. It shows a strong change in idea but still feels balanced. It is helpful for thoughtful contrast.

• It was late; nevertheless, they continued.
• She failed once; nevertheless, she tried again.
• He was tired; nevertheless, he stayed focused.

Nonetheless

Nonetheless works similar to nevertheless but feels slightly simpler. It shows a contrast where something continues despite a challenge. People use it when they want to connect ideas cleanly. It helps you sound clear and organized. It is often used in writing but works in speech too. It keeps your meaning strong without feeling heavy. It is an easy and smooth synonym for but.

• It was raining; nonetheless, they left home.
• She was unsure; nonetheless, she joined.
• He felt nervous; nonetheless, he spoke clearly.

On the other hand

On the other hand helps you present a different point of view. It works well when comparing two ideas. People often use it to switch sides in a discussion. It makes your writing or speaking feel thoughtful and balanced. It is easy to understand and clear. This synonym helps bring in a new idea that contrasts with the first one. It offers a smooth transition.

• I like city life; on the other hand, I enjoy quiet places.
• She wants a pet; on the other hand, she worries about time.
• The car is fast; on the other hand, it uses more fuel.

Despite that

Despite that shows that something happened even when there was a reason it should not. It adds a clear contrast and helps explain unexpected results. People use it to show that one idea does not stop another. It works well in writing because it feels smooth. It can also be used in speech. It helps add strength to your message. It shows strong contrast without being too formal.

• It was late; despite that, they kept talking.
• She was sick; despite that, she went to work.
• He felt scared; despite that, he tried again.

In spite of that

In spite of that works just like despite that but feels slightly softer. It shows that something continues even with a problem or challenge. People use it when they want to express surprise or contrast in a clear way. It helps show strong differences while keeping the sentence friendly. It fits nicely in writing or speaking. This synonym keeps your message smooth and simple.

• It was raining; in spite of that, we walked.
• She was tired; in spite of that, she helped.
• He was busy; in spite of that, he called.

Be that as it may

Be that as it may is a polite and calm way to show contrast. It works when you want to respect the first idea but still give a different one. People often use it in careful or thoughtful writing. It sounds gentle, even when the contrast is strong. It helps introduce a new point without sounding rude. It creates a smooth shift between ideas.

• He was right; be that as it may, I disagree.
• She likes the idea; be that as it may, it is risky.
• The plan works; be that as it may, it needs changes.

Provided that

Provided that replaces but when you want to show a condition. It means something can happen only if another thing happens first. It helps you add a limit or requirement. People use it in both writing and conversation. It sounds clear and simple. It brings a soft contrast by showing rules. It makes your sentence organized and easy to follow.

• You can join, provided that you finish early.
• We will go, provided that the weather is good.
• He can help, provided that he has time.

As long as

As long as is a relaxed and friendly synonym that shows a condition. It works well when something depends on another thing. People like using it because it sounds easy and natural. It adds a small contrast by showing limits. It helps you explain simple conditions in everyday talk. It is a common phrase in both speech and writing.

• You can come, as long as you call first.
• I will help, as long as I am free.
• We can stay, as long as it is safe.

Whereas

Whereas is useful when you want to compare two ideas in a clear and direct way. It shows strong differences between two things. People often use it in writing, but it can also work in speech. It helps your sentence sound organized. It gives a smooth contrast by placing two ideas side by side. It keeps the meaning simple and clear.

• She likes tea, whereas he likes coffee.
• The room is bright, whereas the hall is dark.
• He is quiet, whereas his sister is loud.

Regardless

Regardless works when you want to show that something happens even if another thing could stop it. It expresses strong contrast because it shows that the second idea continues anyway. People use it to sound confident and clear. It fits casual and formal speech. It helps your message stay simple. It shows that the situation does not change the result.

• It was late; regardless, they continued.
• She was tired; regardless, she finished.
• The task was hard; regardless, he tried.

Table of Synonyms for But

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you feel more confident when choosing different words for but. These easy synonyms can make your writing and speaking more interesting and clear. You can use them in casual talks, school work, or simple everyday writing. Try using a few of them each day to get comfortable. The more you practice, the more natural they will feel.