but then

idiom

1

—used to introduce a statement that adds another and different thought to a preceding statement

I'm surprised to hear that Tom has left the army. But then I suppose he never was the type to obey orders.

—sometimes used to introduce an explanation for something

His cakes are amazing—but then he did study with some of the best pastry chefs in the world.

2

—used to introduce a statement that tells about something different or surprising that happened next

The team won the first two games, but then failed to win any of the next five.

Examples of but then in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smith walked Monasterio with one out in the seventh but then picked him off first. —Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025

Even your grimy London suburb feels unsettling, but then again, it’s plagued by spooky goings-on: disappearances, violence, and wayward theories (specifically from your friend Marty) that there’s a demonic element to it all. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Like there was a soft side of me, but then also this really intense side and a desire to be heard. —James Factora, Them, 6 Mar. 2025

Case in point: The Phils had a historic start last season, but then lost 11 of 14 games after the All-Star break, including six straight. —Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 4 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for but then

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen