“However” is undoubtedly a great word to use to counter a previous point you’ve made in writing. It can be somewhat overdone, which is why we think it’s time to look at some synonyms for it. This article will explore all the best alternatives for “however.”
Which Words Can I Use Instead Of “However”?
There are plenty of options to replace “however,” each one offering a different way for you to introduce a counterpoint or idea. This article will look at the following:
- But
- Nevertheless
- Still
- Yet
- Though
- Although
- Despite that
- Be that as it may
- Having said that
The preferred version is “but” because it’s the most common one seen in English. Most people know what it means, and it’s easy to read on a page (since it only features three letters).
But
Another way to say however is by using “but,” and it’s perhaps the most popular choice to do so.
“But” works well when we want to introduce a counterargument while keeping the text light and easy to comprehend. It’s the quickest way to use “however” and doesn’t need to be used in more formal contexts.
Generally, “however” is a formal word. We mostly use it in articles or writing designed to capture the formal audience’s attention. “But” isn’t as strict with its usage, and you can find it equally in informal and formal writing styles.
You might see “but” in some of the following ways:
- I liked that idea, but I don’t think it’s wise to continue talking about it.
- They tried hard to find the gold, but it was to no avail.
- This mission was a resounding success, but there is still more to find out there.
Nevertheless
Next, we come to “nevertheless,” which is a slightly less common phrase that works in formal situations.
“Nevertheless” and “nonetheless” are interchangeable and mean the same thing. You can use either to introduce a counterargument from the previous point.
Just like most of the words on this list, “nevertheless” is an independent clause that we use to include more information on the previous point, which means we need to include correct punctuation.
The correct punctuation choices include a semi-colon or a period before “nevertheless” and a comma after it.
- They worked hard for what they achieved; nevertheless, people looked down on them.
- You shouldn’t have said that to me; nevertheless, I will have to act on it accordingly.
- There are plenty of things wrong with this project; nevertheless, he will work on it.
Still
“Still” is one of the best choices to replace “but,” and many native speakers use the two interchangeably throughout their writing to keep things unique and creative.
“Still” works well to introduce a counterpoint and comes with the same punctuation needs as “however.” It means the same as “but” but is used as an independent clause to introduce a new idea to an argument or qualify a previous one.
“Still” is one of the easiest words on this list to use, and it doesn’t always have to introduce a counter idea. Instead, it can reaffirm the previous statement, though it’s rare to see it used in this way.
- No one could beat them. Still, she thought her team stood a good chance.
- You should keep quiet while I work. Still, I don’t reckon you’ll be too fond about doing that.
- There is much to do today; still, I don’t see a way to get it all done.
Yet
“Yet” and “but” are synonymous. They use the same language rules, which helps many writers use them. “Yet” is definitely a better choice to replace “but” than “still” is, which a lot of people overlook.
“Yet” only needs a comma to work in a sentence, just like “but.” We can use it whenever we’re introducing a point that doesn’t agree with the previous one stated.
People often find “yet” easy to use because it’s quick to say and only consists of three letters (much like “but”).
- I don’t see you helping, yet I hear you complaining an awful lot.
- We must work together on this, yet you insist on ignoring our commands.
- The government works in mysterious ways, yet they always make their mistakes popular in the media.
Though
“Though” is another common choice which we often see instead of “however.” Many people think it works in the same way as “although.” It’s simply a shorter version of “although” in the case of countering an argument.
“Though” is a great choice, like “yet” and “but,” which only requires a comma to work.
You will find “though” written quite a lot in English when introducing a counterpoint, and here are some examples of how it might look:
- I can see where you’re coming from, though I don’t much like your idea.
- There was a lot of money in the project, though they weren’t keen on telling us that.
- We found what we were looking for, though we weren’t best pleased with the result.
Although
“Although” is identical to “though.” We use both words for the same reason, and it seems that “though” has evolved over time to replace “although.”
“Although” is a great synonym, though it’s clear that “though” is becoming the more popular choice of the two. Both follow the same language rules, making them easier to use than “however.”
“Although” is an old-fashioned word, and many native speakers think the “al-” prefix is redundant and unnecessary. For that reason, “though” is more common today.
- I’d like to take you to dinner, although I don’t think you’ll agree to that.
- There have been many reports of injuries in this area, although the police haven’t confirmed anything suspicious.
- The news is full of lies, although no one is sure how or why they get there.
Despite That
“Despite that” is the first alternative way of saying “however” that uses more than one word in this list. We like it because it works well in more formal situations.
“Despite that” is a formal phrase. We use it to talk about a counterargument from the previous point raised, and many essays are elevated in quality when using a phrase like “despite that.”
While many of the one-word options above are great for both formal and informal cases, “despite that” is mostly only for formalities. That makes it the ideal candidate for essay writing, research papers, and work emails.
- The findings have proved many things wrong about this study; despite that, I’m still willing to progress with my initial hypothesis.
- You could find faults wherever you look. Despite that, the world is still beautiful in its own way.
- I have found many discrepancies in the profit register. Despite that, I believe this work is dutiful and moral.
Be That As It May
“Be that as it may” is another phrase rather than a one-word choice. We use it in the same way as “despite that,” and it means that while the previous point means one thing, we’d like to raise another idea.
“Be that as it may” is another formal option that you’ll only find in those situations. It will rarely be used in a casual environment.
- We have yet to see results. Be that as it may, we will keep working towards them.
- You don’t know what you’re doing here. Be that as it may, you’ve got a right to see what we’re doing.
- Be that as it may, I don’t think you can talk to me in such a manner.
Having Said That
“Having said that” is synonymous with “be that as it may,” to mean that, while we’re saying one thing, we’re about to raise a point that highlights the opposite.
Again, “having said that” is a formal choice, though it’s not quite as formal as some of the others.
- You shouldn’t be here. Having said that, I think you can help me.
- There are many more places to explore in this world. Having said that, studies show it’s unlikely that we’ll ever explore them.
- The solar system is a vast expanse of nothing. Having said that, I’m excited to see where space travel might take us.
What Does “However” Mean?
“However” means despite the previous statement. We use it when we want to talk about a contradicting idea to the one we just raised, even if that seems counterintuitive to the goal of our writing.
The definition of “however,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “despite whatever amount of degree.”
Can You Say “But However”?
“But however” is never grammatically correct. It’s known as reduplication, where we use two words that have the same meaning. Ultimately “but however” means “but but” or “however however.” Both of those statements are grammatically incorrect.
Which Is Better: But Or However”?
According to this graph, “but” is more popular than “however,” making it the more recognized and thus better choice than “however.”
Many people prefer using “but” because it’s much easier to find a place to write it in your writing. Also, because it comes with less strict punctuation rules, it’s easier for people still trying to learn the language to use it effectively.
You might also like: How To Use However In The Middle Of A Sentence (9 Examples)
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In spite of
“I, however, did it anyway despite being told not to.”
Conversely, on the other hand
“Our son wants soft tacos. However, our daughter wants the crunchy ones. Why don’t we have both?”
In whatever way, degree or manner
“Let me know when you’ve completed your interview, however well or badly it goes.”
An emphatic form of how
“Just however was he able to pull it off despite all obstacles before him?”
(obsolete) In any case or event
“This is happiness to be freed from all, if it may, however from the greatest evils.”
Despite the fact that
See Also
Nearby Words
7-letter Words Starting With
However Synonym! What is another word for however? Powerful list of 42 synonyms for however with example sentences and ESL images. Learn these however synonyms to broaden your vocabulary words and improve your writing in English.
However Synonym
List of Synonyms for However
Learn useful list of 42 synonyms for however in English.
- All the same
- Although
- And yet
- Anyhow
- Anyway
- At any rate
- At the same time
- Be that as it may
- But
- But despite that
- But for all that
- But still
- But then again
- Contrariwise
- Despite
- Despite that
- Despite the fact that
- Even so
- Even though
- For all that
- Having said that
- Howbeit
- However
- In any case
- In spite of
- In spite of everything
- In spite of that
- Just the same
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Notwithstanding
- On the flip side
- On the other hand
- Per contra
- Regardless of
- Still and all
- That said
- Though
- Whereas
- While
- Without regard to
- Yet
Other Ways to Say However | Infographic
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Other Ways to Say However
However Synonyms with Examples
Learn another word for however with example sentences.
- All the same
All the same, there is some truth in what he says.
- Although
Although it was late, there was still enough time to keep the rendezvous.
- And yet
The boy is so fat and yet he runs very fast.
- Anyhow
Anyhow, we must find a way out of this impasse.
- Anyway
It’s going to be difficult. Anyway, we can try.
- At any rate
At any rate, the size of new fields is diminishing.
- At the same time
I can’t really explain it, at the same time I’m not convinced.
- Be that as it may
I accept that he’s old and frail; be that as it may, he’s still a good politician.
- But
A word is no arrow, but it can pierce the heart.
- But despite that
But despite that, Gloucestershire County Council still can’t find another school that will accept him as a full time student.
- But for all that
He has many faults, but for all that I like him.
- But still
We waited on for another hour, but still she didn’t come.
- But then again
This is better, but then again it costs more.
- Contrariwise
He gives permission, and, contrariwise, she refuses it.
- Despite
Despite the bad weather, we enjoyed ourselves.
- Despite that
Despite that you still owe me $100, I am willing to lend you another $100.
- Despite the fact that
He refused to help me, despite the fact that I asked him several times.
- Even so
It was raining, even so we had to go out.
- Even though
She hasn’t phoned, even though she said she would.
- For all that
He has many faults, but for all that I like him.
- Having said that
He forgets most things, but having said that, he always remembers my birthday.
- Howbeit
Howbeit, we never met again.
- In any case
In any case, she couldn’t have held a conversation there.
- In spite of
They went on with their basketball match in spite of the rain.
- In spite of everything
In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.
- In spite of that
In spite of that, the availability both here and in Britain should be known to the public at large.
- Just the same
I put on my raincoat and big straw hat. But we got soaked just the same.
- Nevertheless
He was very tired; nevertheless he went on walking.
- Nonetheless
Though he’s fool, I like him nonetheless.
- Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding she is beautiful,she doesn’t think it goes for much.
- On the flip side
On the flip side, accepting them and not having your needs met is not healthy either.
- On the other hand
I want to go to the party, on the other hand I ought to be studying.
- Per contra
He had worked very hard on the place; she, per contra, had little to do.
- Regardless of
Regardless of how often I correct him, he always makes the same mistake.
- Still and all
Even though you dislike us, still and all you should be polite.
- That said
That said, there are still places to get free Internet access.
- Though
Though John and Andrew look exactly alike, they act quite differently.
- Whereas
She actually enjoys confrontation, whereas I prefer a quiet life.
- While
Other man live to eat, while I eat to live.
- Yet
The path was dark, yet I found my way.
Synonyms for However with Examples | Infographic
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Hi English learners! Are you writing an essay or an email? Are you fed up with the same old words and phrases? In this lesson, we will look at 10 words and phrases to use instead of “however” with lots of example sentences so you can learn how to use them in context.
Here is the list:
- Nevertheless
- Even so
- Still
- Yet
- Although
- Otherwise
- Despite/in spite of
- After all
- Be it as it may
- Having said that
“However” can be used as an adverb showing a relation between the two sentences.
- Sara has always been a good student. Last month, however, she got some bad grades.
It can also be used as an adverb before an adjective or another adverb:
- Robert couldn’t win the game however hard he tried.
We normally use “however” as conjunction joining two clauses.
- You can make this cake however you want – with or without eggs.
Let’s look at some alternatives to “however”:
Words and Phrases to Use instead of HOWEVER
Nevertheless
Just like “however”, we use “nevertheless” to show contrast. It has a similar meaning to “despite that”.
- Tom was tired and sleepy; nevertheless, he kept on walking.
- Though enormously rich, he was nevertheless a thrifty, penny-pinching person.
- Mary never wanted to be a housewife but she nevertheless got married and ended up as one.
Even so
We use the phrase “even so” for emphasis. For example. when you want to say that something is surprising news in spite of what you have said previously.
- Sandra ate too much already but even so, she helped herself with a cake.
- The temperature rose later in the day but even so, we were still feeling cold.
- Brian’s room was very untidy; even so, he didn’t mind sitting and reading at his desk.
Still
We use “still” to emphasize that something exists despite something said or done in the sentence.
- Robert still enjoyed his day off despite the bad weather.
- Albert was looking for his telephone all around the place but still couldn’t find it.
- Although his leg hurt he was still able to drive.
Words and Phrases to Use instead of HOWEVER
Yet
“Yet” is a conjunction we normally use to make a contrast between two clauses or sentences.
- There was no particular reason for Fiona to be in a bad mood, yet she felt pretty sad.
- It was cold yet sunny.
- The joke he told us seemed a bit strange yet very funny.
Although
This is another conjunction we use to express contrast. It is used to say that something is happening differently from what is usual or sensible.
- Although he’s been working there for a long time, he wanted to change jobs.
- Roberta was sitting on the balcony and smoking although the doctor told her not to.
- Although he spent a few months in prison for robbery, he decided to be an honest man.
Otherwise
An adverb “otherwise” means different, in another way than supposed.
- Sylvia thought that the book was a bit long but otherwise she enjoyed reading it.
- Michael’s parents paid for his university. Otherwise, he couldn’t have afforded it.
- Mind your steps on the floor, otherwise, you will fall.
Words and Phrases to Use instead of HOWEVER
Despite/in spite of
“Despite” and “in spite of” mean that something is happening though something else may stop or prevent it from happening.
- They were walking in the park despite the rain.
- In spite of his mother’s disagreement, he decided to move abroad.
- In spite of the fact that he was over eighty, he was still healthy and in good shape.
After all
The phrase “after all” means in spite of what was said previously.
- Sandra never wanted to live in the country but when her son got married and bought a house in the village she had to visit him every now and then after all.
- Mary is not supposed to work. She’s over seventy, after all.
- Peter was never worried about money. After all, he knew he would inherit a lot of money from his parents when they die.
Be it as it may
We use the phrase “be it as it may” when we want to change the subject or continue talking about something else, regardless of whether we finished the previous discussion or not.
- We were good friends back in school days. Be it as it may, I’ll never see him again, I suppose.
- Be it as it may, we don’t expect people affected by the earthquake to deal with the consequences by themselves.
Words and Phrases to Use instead of HOWEVER
Having said that
We use the phrase “having said that” to indicate that something is true despite what you said before that.
- This restaurant is quite expensive; having said that, the food is great.
- You will lose weight if you stick to this diet; having said that, try to bring more variety into your diet, as well.
- Brian’s motorbike was in perfect condition, but having said that, it needed a new seat.
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- nonetheless
- notwithstanding
- withal
- yet
- after all
- all the same
- anyhow
- be that as it may
- but
- despite
- for all that
- howbeit
- in spite of
- on the other hand
- per contra
- though
- without regard to
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
On this page you’ll find 26 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to however, such as: nonetheless, notwithstanding, withal, yet, after all, and all the same.
TRY USING however
See how your sentence looks with different synonyms.
WHEN TO USE
What are other ways to say however?
The adverb however implies slight opposition, and displays a second consideration to be compared with the first: We are going; however (“notice this also”), we shall return. But marks a more marked opposition or contrast, though in a casual way: We are going, but we shall return. Nevertheless implies a concession, something which should not be forgotten in making a summing up: We are going; nevertheless (“do not forget that”), we shall return. Still implies that in spite of a preceding concession, something must be considered as possible or even inevitable: We have to go on foot; still (“it is probable and possible that”), we’ll get there. Yet implies that in spite of a preceding concession, there is still a chance for a different outcome: We are going; yet (“in spite of all, some day”), we shall return.
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How to use however in a sentence
This, however, did not apply to the waters lying directly around the Poloe and Flatland groups.
THE GIANT OF THE NORTHR.M. BALLANTYNE
Dean Swift was indeed a misanthrope by theory, however he may have made exception to private life.
GULLIVER’S TRAVELSJONATHAN SWIFT
As a rule, however, even in the case of extreme varieties, a careful examination of the specimen will enable it to be identified.
HOW TO KNOW THE FERNSS. LEONARD BASTIN
Some of the alarm returned, however, when the creature attempted to climb up by his own ladder.
THE GIANT OF THE NORTHR.M. BALLANTYNE
However, on reaching Spain, the magic of the Emperor’s personality soon restored the vigour and prestige of the French arms.
NAPOLEON’S MARSHALSR. P. DUNN-PATTISON
It is to be remembered, however, that a few of these bacteria may reach the sputum from the upper air-passages.
A MANUAL OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSISJAMES CAMPBELL TODD
The Variegated Horsetail is not exclusively maritime, however, for it sometimes grows by the sides of rivers and ponds.
HOW TO KNOW THE FERNSS. LEONARD BASTIN
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
OCTOBER 26, 1985
WORDS RELATED TO HOWEVER
- anyway
- at any rate
- be that as it may
- however
- in any case
- just the same
- nevertheless
- nonetheless
- notwithstanding
- about
- any which way
- anyway
- around
- at any rate
- at random
- haphazard
- haphazardly
- helter-skelter
- however
- in any case
- in any respect
- in any way
- in either way
- in one way or another
- in whatever way
- nevertheless
- random
- randomly
- regardless
- under any circumstances
- whatever happens
- willy-nilly
- anyhow
- at all
- at any rate
- ever
- however
- in any case
- in any event
- in any manner
- nevertheless
- once
- although
- however
- nevertheless
- on the other hand
- still
- though
- yet
- although
- however
- nevertheless
- on the other hand
- still
- though
- even so
- however
- nevertheless
- still
- though
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.