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
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.
Most will be three stories tall, except for five at the rear along Kelly that will be two stories and built at a lower grade to preserve the neighbors’ existing views. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025 There were no survivors except for one SEAL, Marcus Luttrell. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025 Unlike social media influencers, these ladies have no one to impress — except for each other. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 May 2025 Every season since 1969, except for two years during the pandemic of 2020 and 2021, the championship game has been played at Dodger Stadium. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Except for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/except%20for. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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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