but then

idiom

—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.

—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 Style over substance for sure, but then again, what style! —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2024 When police were called to the scene, Scott was asked to leave, and did, but then continued to yell at the crew on the yacht. —

Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024 This went on for years, but then BH90210 came along, airing for six episodes in 2019. —

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2024 Democrats will have a post-convention boost, but then the race will likely tighten. —

Candy Woodall, Baltimore Sun, 27 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for but then

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'but then.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.