except for

preposition

Synonyms of except fornext
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

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Examples of except for in a Sentence

except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
From 2023 to 2024, there was a slight drop-off — the percentage of 25-and-older residents with any degree, except for bachelor’s, dipped slightly. — Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026 Flock rule changes Flock Safety, the vendor used by all local jurisdictions except for Carlsbad, responded to the recent growing backlash by announcing a series of steps to curb potential abuse. — Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2026 Food and drink Three meals a day—included in the rate, except for alcohol—are served in the main lodge, with every group being assigned the same table during their stay. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 The Raiders went with Mendoza for the third period and gave him the starting offense, except for rookie Trey Zuhn III taking over for Tyler Linderbaum at center. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for except for

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of except for was in the 15th century

Rhymes for except for

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Browse Nearby Words

exceptable
except for
exceptio
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Cite this Entry

“Except for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/except%20for. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

except for

preposition
: with the exception of : but for
all A's except for a B in Latin
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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