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.
The field clears except for one fielder, the pitcher and the catcher. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 All of the occupants were killed except for teenager Matías Bagnato. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2026 The Sixers played all of their starters except for VJ Edgecombe. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 The sack came directly after the controversial pass breakup that most, except for the officials, saw as pass interference. — Connor Riley, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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
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