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

Adam Scott was practically flawless off the tee except for one drive that sailed well left into the trees and out-of-bounds on the par-5 17th. — ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Smashburger is ringing in the special day by offering loyalty members $1 any single Smash, except for the Smoked Brisket Bacon Smash, at participating locations. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026

Elliott pleaded guilty to the same charges as Calix-Rodriguez, except for the firearm charge. — CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026

Games also are available to be streamed on the MLB app, except for Thursday. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 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