as in almost
very close to but not completely
dinner is all but on the table, so don't go anywhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for all but
Adverb
-
Since May 1996, a group of neighbors has met almost every month to talk about books.—
Maggie Penman,
Washington Post,
1 May 2026 -
The World Bank estimated that an extended disruption could drive energy prices up by almost a quarter compared to 2025; the strait cannot quickly be replaced, Morningstar analysts warned in a note to clients.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst has missed practically the entire season because of a recurring knee injury, meaning that even if the 30-year-old were to return in the final few games, the World Cup seems a long shot.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
But following elite competition is nearly impossible, with subtle flicks and jabs practically invisible to the naked eye—and competitors hidden behind masks.—
Jacob Feldman,
Sportico.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
Meanwhile, Austin Barber, who started 47 games at tackle for the Gators, nearly had to wait until Saturday.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Philadelphia scored on seven consecutive late-game possessions, nearly all of them on plays at or near the rim.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
-
The Caspian Sea, between Europe and Asia, is only about a third as salty as the open ocean and has a number of endemic species, including a little seal with no ears.—
Rosa Lyster,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The average age of these nuclear reactors is about 42 years old.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“All but.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/all%20but. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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