all but

Idioms

Almost, nearly, as in I've all but finished the book. This expression was used by Andrew Marvell in “Thoughts in a Garden”: “Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude.” [Late 1500s]

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.

Or maybe it’s not kindness at all but, rather, a way to reassure herself that she will always have the upper hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Alpine skiiing squad seven years after she had all but retired.

From Los Angeles Times

The first phase of the cease-fire saw the return of all remaining living Israeli hostages and all but one hostage body.

From The Wall Street Journal

One surprising response wasn’t a complaint at all, but a compliment to L.A. drivers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Gunners have clean sheets in all but three home games this season as well.

From BBC

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