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

All are Democrats except for Thompson, who is a Republican, and Smith, who’s registered as no party preference. —Linh Tat, Daily News, 23 May 2026

The model styled her hair in a slick back bun and went for a more natural makeup look, except for bold red lipstick. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2026

Cage will have the same superhuman powers as the traditional Spider-Man, except for the artificial web shooters. —Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 23 May 2026

This includes the major label signing of licensing agreements with AI music generator Udio (except for Sony which is still litigating), music catalog companies, and other licensors. —Prof. Mike Alleyne Ph.d, Forbes.com, 22 May 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