anything but

phrase

: not at all
He looked anything but happy.
Though he said he was happy, he looked anything but.
This problem is anything but new.

Examples of anything but 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.
With its stunning views, retro-modern look, and prime location in the gritty-slash-bougie Meatpacking District, this hotel is anything but standard. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026 But the road to getting there was anything but simple or ordinary. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026 Luke’s Diner wasn’t exactly weatherproof The warm heart of Stars Hollow was actually anything but. — Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 However, getting there, landing on its surface and returning the samples to Earth will be anything but easy. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anything but

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anything but.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anything%20but. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster