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

In October 2022, Marshallsay had all of her toes and fingers — except for her thumbs — amputated. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

The Twins have agreed to contract terms for the 2026 season with all of their arbitration-eligible players except for starting pitcher Joe Ryan, meaning the team and one of its biggest stars are likely headed for arbitration. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026

Most of the charges are misdemeanors, except for tampering with government records, which is a second-degree felony. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

Most police departments long ago prohibited officers from shooting at moving vehicles except for very limited circumstances where there’s no other option to save lives, experts say. —Claire Galofaro, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

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