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

Eating or drinking is also a no-go, except for long-distance services like the bullet train, where bringing a bento box is practically imperative. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026

For children under 18 months, the AAP discourages all screen use except for video chatting with family. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026

Kriston was released from jail at a June 26 court appearance, but ordered to stay at home except for court, attorney meetings, or doctors appointments, records show. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Nobody has ever eaten more than 70 hot dogs in the event except for Chestnut, who has done it — buns included — seven times, including in 2025. — Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 July 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