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Synonyms

but for

Idioms  

  1. Except for, were it not for. For example, But for the afternoon shower, it was a perfect day, or But for the children, they would have gotten a divorce long ago. [c. 1200]

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.

“The shipping industry needs to prepare for the possibility that Hormuz transits could remain abnormal, not just through the end of May, but for months beyond,” Greg Miller, a senior maritime reporter, wrote.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

They’ve had their ups and downs over the years, creatively, commercially, but for a long while it’s been mostly ups.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Only 7% appealed their denials — but for those who did, 66% of those denials were overturned.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Staff said it operated like a charity clothes shop but for food.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

He will read my letter, asking for Alex to be judged not for the worst thing he’s done but for the better things he’s done this summer, the best things he might yet do.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.