What Is Another Way to Say “But Rather”?

Looking for synonyms for but rather? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say but rather.

  • Instead
  • Conversely
  • On the contrary
  • Rather
  • In contrast
  • As opposed to
  • Alternatively
  • Actually
  • In fact
  • More accurately
  • Contrarily
  • Oppositely
  • In lieu of
  • Rather than
  • Not so much… as

Want to learn how to say but rather professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Instead

Use “instead” to suggest an alternative to the previously mentioned idea or action.
Example: “We decided not to outsource the project, but instead, we expanded our internal team.”

2. Conversely

“Conversely” is appropriate for indicating a contrasting point in an argument or discussion.
Example: “The data does not suggest a decrease in sales; conversely, it indicates a significant increase.”

3. On the Contrary

“On the contrary” is used to correct a mistaken belief or assert the opposite of what has been stated.
Example: “He is not a poor leader; on the contrary, he has successfully guided our team through several challenges.”

4. Rather

“Rather” is suitable for presenting an alternative or preferred option or idea.
Example: “The company chose to invest in employee training rather than hiring more staff.”

5. In Contrast

“In contrast” is used to draw a direct distinction between two things.
Example: “In contrast to the declining sales in the west, our eastern division has seen a rise in revenue.”

6. As Opposed To

“As opposed to” is used for comparing two different ideas or options, highlighting their differences.
Example: “We focus on quality, as opposed to quantity, in our production process.”

7. Alternatively

“Alternatively” is used to suggest a different option or idea from what was previously considered.
Example: “Alternatively, we could delay the product launch to ensure all features are fully developed.”

8. Actually

“Actually” is used to introduce a fact or reality that contradicts the previous statement.
Example: “The budget isn’t decreasing, actually, it’s increasing compared to last year.”

9. In Fact

“In fact” is suitable for introducing information that clarifies, corrects, or confirms the previous statement.
Example: “Our team isn’t behind schedule; in fact, we are ahead of our planned milestones.”

10. More Accurately

“More accurately” is used to refine or correct a previous statement with more precise information.
Example: “He’s not just a manager; more accurately, he’s the head of the entire department.”

11. Contrarily

“Contrarily” is appropriate for introducing a statement or idea that contradicts the previous one.
Example: “The market seemed stable, but contrarily, our analysis suggests impending volatility.”

12. Oppositely

“Oppositely” is used to introduce a thought or concept that is directly opposite to the previous one.
Example: “The strategy wasn’t to reduce costs, oppositely, it involved increasing investment in R&D.”

13. In Lieu Of

“In lieu of” is suitable for suggesting a substitute or replacement for something else.
Example: “In lieu of annual bonuses, the company offered additional vacation days.”

14. Rather Than

“Rather than” is used to present an alternative action or thought in place of another.
Example: “The focus should be on improving customer service rather than cutting costs.”

15. Not So Much… As

“Not so much… as” is a phrase used to correct or modify a statement with a more accurate or fitting alternative.
Example: “Our objective is not so much to increase sales, as to build long-term customer relationships.”

Linda Brown