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 somethingHis 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
The curtains fell, but then after some time, the guitarist took to the stage, playing a guitar solo.
—
Billboard Japan, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024
Lucien works to ensnare Annie for his step-sister, who is desperate to use her name to save Greek life’s place at the top of the social hierarchy, but then Lucien begins to exhibit real romantic feelings.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
In the lyrical spar, J. Cole offered a diss record against his Compton peer, but then retracted the song and issued an apology.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The concession made sense at the time, but then over the last ten years, two major factors changed the landscape.
—Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for but then 
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Billboard Japan, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024
Lucien works to ensnare Annie for his step-sister, who is desperate to use her name to save Greek life’s place at the top of the social hierarchy, but then Lucien begins to exhibit real romantic feelings.
—Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
In the lyrical spar, J. Cole offered a diss record against his Compton peer, but then retracted the song and issued an apology.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The concession made sense at the time, but then over the last ten years, two major factors changed the landscape.
—Jerrold Lundquist, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for but then
Dictionary Entries Near but then
Cite this Entry
“But then.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20then. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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