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except for

preposition

Definition of except fornext
as in except
not including except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of except for The rest of her face was bare, except for her natural freckles that formed a scatterplot from one cheekbone to the other. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 In contrast, except for volcanic Io and Titan's water-ice surface sculpted by organic liquids, an extraterrestrial mapper's material is straightforward. — Meghan Bartels, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026 The following night, he was discovered lying on his bed, fully dressed except for his shoes, dead from an overdose of sleeping medication, only two weeks shy of forty-two. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 They are also eventually banned from Earth, except for use in scientific research. — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for except for
Recent Examples of Synonyms for except for
  1. except
  2. beside
  3. besides
  4. other than
  5. but
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    — NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Definition of except
Preposition
  • Today, Olde Naples Hotel rises beside its historic predecessor as a new-build interpretation rather than a reconstruction.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The Blue Lizard sunscreen goes into my embarkation tote beside my swimsuit.
    — Amanda Eyre Ward, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of beside
Preposition
  • But his death had many contributing factors besides being unable to breath while face down on the ground.
    — Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati.com, 2 June 2020
  • The airline’s crew members and ground services personnel are undergoing detailed health check-ups at regular intervals, besides wearing protective gear at all times.
    — Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, 31 May 2020
Definition of besides
Preposition
  • Here’s what to know about local ballot measures, other than school bonds and parcel taxes.
    — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • According to the Hope Foundation, which lobbies for greater gun control, more than 26,000 people have been killed in armed incidents, including by weapons other than guns, since 2014.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of other than
Preposition
  • Normally, big job losses trigger massive searches for full-time jobs, but this crisis has been anything but normal.
    — Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 1 June 2020
  • Despite the pleas for calm, the nation seemed anything but as a fitful week drew to a close.
    — Robert Klemko, Washington Post, 30 May 2020
Definition of but

Browse Nearby Words

excepted
except for
excepting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Except for.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/except%20for. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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