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

The speaker was capable of producing some pretty deep bass and hit all the bass notes that play throughout much of the verse and chorus, except for the very lowest note. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 7 Nov. 2026

All denied the charges, except for one person who confessed and pleaded for leniency. — ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026

Most people, that is, except for the residents actually living in them. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Every Black Dove attends to their duties with all deliberate stabbing, throat-slitting, and shooting speed, except for Reed. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 5 Nov. 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