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

• apart from
• aside from
• bar
• barring
• beside
• besides
• but
• except
• excepting
• excluding
• exclusive of
• other than
• outside
• outside of
• save
• saving

Examples of except for in a Sentence

except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all

Recent Examples on the Web

And, the surf break may be shut down for a period of time, whereas during World Tour events or other contests, the ocean is open except for when the competitors are in heats. —Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 19 June 2025

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami COST: All events free (RSVP required) except for Michelle Williams ticketed concert. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025

Not since the 2008-2009 financial crisis has the luxury market experienced such a significant contraction, except for the 2020 Covid pandemic. —Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

The port has hosted all of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships except for Symphony of the Seas. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 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