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

That implausible hold-harmless provision does not extend to firefighters and emergency medical services, except for one amendment, or to any other important services that cities and counties provide. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

In staying true to the two brands’ American roots, the entire collection, except for one piece, was made in the United States. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026

FedEx will be closed for New Year’s Day, except for its Custom Critical service. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026

Most of Pfizer’s increases are below 10%, except for a 15% hike of COVID vaccine Comirnaty, while some of its relatively inexpensive hospital drugs saw more than four-fold increases. —Reuters 12 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 1 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