but what

phrase

: that … not
—used to indicate possibility or uncertainty
I don't know but what I will go.

Examples of but what in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kind of a silly riddle, but what’s life if not a little silly. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 This topic needs more research, but what CTGT found suggests that the proliferation of Chinese AI models doesn’t pose as big of a security risk as some might believe. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 Beau had been with you through Vanderpump, but what were the conversations like with your family members and friends who are new to this and now your castmates? — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 28 July 2026 Same meeting, in the same place, but what transpired was quite different. — Jason Karlawish, STAT, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for but what

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of but what was in 1545

Rhymes for but what

See All Rhymes for but what

Browse Nearby Words

butut
but what
butyl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“But what.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but%20what. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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