except for

preposition

1

: with the exception of

Everyone was gone except for me.

2

: were it not for

except for you I would be dead

Synonyms of except for

• except
• beside
• besides
• other than
• but

Examples of except for in a Sentence

except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all

Recent Examples on the Web

Be aware of the restrictions of the Moon Alert today and avoid spending (except for food and gas), because you will be tempted to do so with three planets in your Money House. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

After Assad's ouster Russian troops remaining in Syria gradually left the country except for those stationed at the bases. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026

Places like Cape May, Kennebunkport, and Montauk clear out, except for the savvy weekenders clinging to the fleeting moments of summer—and that’s when these destinations really shine. — Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026

The mall closed in January 2015, except for Carson Pirie Scott, which shut its doors abruptly in March 2018. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for except for

• albacore
• alongshore
• antiwar
• anymore
• carnivore
• commodore
• dinosaur
• evermore
• furthermore
• guarantor
• herbivore
• heretofore

Kids Definition

except for

preposition

: with the exception of : but for

all A's except for a B in Latin