Picking a but synonym is partly a punctuation choice: yet slots in exactly where but sits, although and whereas change the shape of the sentence, and however and nevertheless usually need a semicolon or a new sentence. Get that right and your contrast reads smoothly.
But also means except (everyone but Sam) and only (she was but a child), and each sense has its own replacements. For another word for but in any sense, read on: the sections below cover all three, rank the contrast words from relaxed to formal, and flag the mistakes teachers mark most often. The transition words hub gathers related linking words.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
however, yet, though, although, stillPart of speech
Conjunction, also preposition and adverbMost formal
nevertheless, nonetheless, saveMost casual
though at the end, mind you, then againStrongest contrast
on the other hand, converselyAntonyms
None. Linking words like and or also add rather than contrast.Watch out
However is not a conjunction. Two clauses joined by a comma and however make a comma splice.
But synonym table with punctuation
The middle column shows how each word joins two ideas, which matters more here than for most words.
| Word | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| yet | comma + yet | It was late, yet nobody left. |
| however | semicolon or period + however, | It was late; however, nobody left. |
| although | starts one clause | Although it was late, nobody left. |
| whereas, while | compares two facts | I like tea, whereas she likes coffee. |
| still, even so | new sentence or after and | It was late. Still, nobody left. |
| though | end of the second sentence | Nobody left, though. |
Relaxed to formal contrast words
The chip strip shows five contrast words in order of formality. Though, tacked on as a final word, feels chatty. Still sounds like everyday speech. Yet is neutral and a little more literary than but. However is what most essays and reports use. Nevertheless sits at the formal end and signals that the second point wins despite the first.
Nonetheless means the same as nevertheless. Use one or the other, not both in a single paragraph.
Swapping but in real writing
- The plan is cheap, but it is slow becomes the plan is cheap, yet it is slow.
- I studied hard, but I failed becomes although I studied hard, I failed.
- Prices rose, but sales grew becomes prices rose. Even so, sales grew.
- Everyone came but Tom becomes everyone came except Tom.
- It is but a small step becomes it is only a small step.
- He is kind, but strict becomes he is kind, though strict.
A work email says: "Thanks for the draft, but I have some notes, but they are small." Two buts in a row feel clumsy. Try: "Thanks for the draft. I have a few notes, though they are small." The message now sounds calm instead of critical.
When but means except or only
After words like all, everyone, nothing and anywhere, but means except. Except and apart from are the clearest swaps, other than works well in questions, and save is formal and a bit old-fashioned: all save one were rescued.
In older or literary English, but can mean only: there were but three left. Modern readers prefer only or just. The fixed phrase all but means almost, so the race was all but over becomes the race was nearly over.
Can a sentence open with but
Yes. Careful writers have started sentences with but for centuries, and it often lands with more punch than however. Teachers who banned it were mostly trying to stop fragments, not to ban the word.
A strict academic paper may call for However, as the opener. In blogs, speeches and emails, a short sentence that begins with but keeps the rhythm lively.
Mistakes to avoid with contrast words
- But however: pick one. They mean the same thing.
- Although ... but: although it rained, but we played is wrong in English. Drop the but.
- Despite: it needs a noun or an ing form, not a full clause. Write despite the rain, not despite it rained. See despite synonyms for more.
- On the other hand: it works best when two sides are truly compared, ideally after on the one hand. The on the other hand synonyms page lists softer options.
Frequently asked questions
For an essay, which words replace but best?
However and yet are the safest swaps. Use although or whereas when you want to join two ideas in one sentence, and nevertheless when the second idea outweighs the first.
Is yet the same as but?
Almost. Yet sits in the same spot and takes the same comma, but it adds a hint of surprise. It was cheap, yet it worked well suggests you did not expect that.
Can I replace but with however without changing punctuation?
No. However must follow a semicolon or a period, and it usually takes a comma after it. A comma alone in front of however creates a comma splice.
Which word replaces but when it means except?
Except, except for, apart from and other than all work. Save is a formal and slightly old-fashioned option.
Does but have an antonym?
Not really. Linking words that add information, such as and, also or moreover, are the nearest thing to an opposite.
How do I avoid starting every sentence with but?
Vary the position. Move the contrast to the end with though, or join the clauses with although or while.