but

• "I was merely asking"
• "it is simply a matter of time"
• "just a scratch"
• "he was only a child"
• "hopes that last but a moment"

Synonyms

• merelyand nothing more
• simplyand nothing more; (used for emphasis) absolutely; absolutely; in a simple manner
• justused especially of what is legally or ethically right or proper or fitting; fair to all parties as dictated by reason and conscience; free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; of moral excellence; and nothing more; indicating exactness or preciseness; only a moment ago; (used for emphasis) absolutely; only a very short time before; possibly (indicating a slight chance of something being true); exactly at this moment or the moment described; by a little
• onlybeing the only one; exclusive of anyone or anything else; and nothing more; without any others being included or involved; with nevertheless the final result; in the final outcome; except that; never except when; as recently as