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

Examples of except for in a Sentence

except for newscasts, I hardly watch any television at all
Recent Examples on the Web Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024 The credit union also has an arbitration clause for its customers, which requires all matters except for those filed in small claims court, to be adjudicated through arbitration. Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 27 Oct. 2024 That’s more than any of her opponents at the time, except for President Biden who released tax returns as a result of his long-standing political career, Forbes points out. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 The Post since 1976 had regularly endorsed candidates for president, except for the 1988 race. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for except for 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'except for.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near except for

Cite this Entry

“Except for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/except%20for. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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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