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

Last year, Kohl’s saw sales in every category except for its Sephora shops fall by a double-digit percentage. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2025

One of the largest in the world, the parade began in New York City in 1924 and has been an annual tradition since, except for 1942 through 1944 due to World War II, as noted by Macy’s. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

However, turkey is higher in most B vitamins, except for B6, and is a better source of selenium and zinc. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 26 Nov. 2025

In fact, the special topped the 2025-26 season average of every primetime non-sports program on broadcast except for CBS’ 60 Minutes and Tracker and ABC’s Dancing With the Stars as well as Matlock‘s Sunday season premiere. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Nov. 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