except

1 to present an opposing opinion or argument I must except to your remark that there are no great novelists currently living Synonyms demur, object, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrateRelated Words cavil, quibble; challenge, dare, defy, fight; conflict, debate, dispute, hassle, quarrel, squabble, wrangle; beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, keen, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl; balk, gag, stick; censure, criticize, denounce; disobey, rebel, withstand; demonstrateNear Antonyms approve, sanction; accept; accede, acquiesce, agree, assent; adhere, comply, conform, follow, mind, obey, observe; advocate, champion, defend, maintain, support, sustain, uphold; applaud, cheer, commend

2 to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of we'll have to except members who haven't paid their club dues from voting in the election Synonyms ban, bar, close out, count (out), debar, eliminate, exclude, freeze out, rule out, shut outRelated Words blackball, blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out; obviate, preclude, prevent, prohibit; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; cease, discontinue, halt, suspend; deter, stave off, ward (off); check off, disregard; comb (out), weed (out)Near Antonyms accept, embrace, entertain, receive, take in, welcome; unbanAntonyms admit, include