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

Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot. —Chris Sims, IndyStar, 8 Mar. 2026

Heard entered the game in the top of the third inning and kept the Longhorns in check except for first baseman Katie Stewart, who had three of Texas' hits and three of her team's four RBIs. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026

Much of the work will take place between the two major closures, PennDOT said, adding that crews will keep a lane open in both directions, except for intermittent 15-minute stoppages. —Ricky Sayer, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

There’s also a provision included in the program for veteran and military members — those who meet all criteria except for the income level requirement can still receive a $250 rebate. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 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