anything but

Idioms

By no means, not at all, as in He is anything but ambitious for a promotion. William Wordsworth in his long poem, The Prelude (1805–1806), wrote: “Grief call it not, 'twas anything but that.”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Anything but a rate hike at the ECB meeting would be a big surprise," said ING economist Carsten Brzeski.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Anything but ordinary, a detachable belt adds styling versatility.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2024

Anything but the most useful, imaginative, sustainable or apt gift, small or large, risks incurring an obligation on the recipient.

From Washington Post • Feb. 1, 2023

Anything but the last-four for us is disappointing, based on our history at World Cups.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2022

"Irri, go to the bazaar and buy fruit and meat. Anything but horseflesh."

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023