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

• except
• excepting
• 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

In direct-to-patient arrangements, all patients pay the same price—except for certain group discounts, as is common in other markets. —Ge Bai, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Their names and birthdates haven’t been publicly released except for their eldest son, Preston. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 30 June 2025

Vionic Women’s Willa Slip-on Flats One of the least orthotic-looking of the bunch, the Willa flat has a similar look to Vionic’s signature loafer style except for its slim and delicate silhouette. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025

Stewart, a ninth-year veteran, has earned All-Star honors every season in the league except for her rookie year in 2016 and the 2020 season when the game wasn’t held due to COVID-19. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for except for

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

Kids Definition

except for

preposition

: with the exception of : but for

all A's except for a B in Latin