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 something

His 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

In the final episode of the Emmy-winning series’ third season, Deborah rescinded her original job offer to Ava, but then Ava blackmailed Deborah into hiring her anyway. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025

The pair were engaged in Aug. 2011, but then scrapped that announcement three months later. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025

The administration withdrew the penalties, but then proceeded with smaller fines of about $60,000 per person against at least four of the migrants, according to court records. —Ted Hesson, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

Harry agrees to the timeline, but then puts in a secret call to Conrad. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Rhymes for but then

• again
• airmen
• amen
• bullpen
• culmen
• flagmen
• gunmen
• lawmen
• oilmen
• playpen
• schoolmen
• tegmen