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.
Ava and Shai naturally did some more making out at Charlie’s, but what did Ariana get up to? — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 The most important question is not whether change is possible but what kinds of changes, and with what kinds of engagement from Washington. — Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026 Retailers need to understand not just what is selling, but what is creating value. — John Readman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 For textile recyclers, the question is increasingly not simply whether cotton can be recovered, but what quality of raw material emerges on the other side. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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