excepting

American  

[ik-sep-ting] / ɪkˈsɛp tɪŋ /

preposition

1. excluding; barring; saving; with the exception of; except.

   Excepting the last chapter, the book is finished.

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conjunction

1. Archaic. except; unless; save.

excepting British  

/ ɪkˈsɛptɪŋ /

preposition

1. excluding; except; except for (esp in the phrase not excepting )

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conjunction

1. an archaic word for unless

Usage

The use of excepting is considered by many people to be acceptable only after not, only, or without. Elsewhere except is preferred: every country agreed to the proposal except (not excepting ) Spain; he was well again except for (not excepting ) a slight pain in his chest

Synonym Usage

See except ¹.

Other Word Forms

• nonexcepting
  adjective
• unexcepting
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of excepting

First recorded in 1540–50; except ² + -ing ²

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

excepting

That would make India more or less even with other big trading partners, excepting Mexico and Canada.

From Barron's ● Feb. 19, 2026

He said most of the bloc's 15 member states were prepared to participate in the standby force excepting those also under military rule - Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea - and tiny Cape Verde.

From Reuters ● Aug. 18, 2023

The report is due on Thursday and many in Westminster are excepting them to recommend a suspension which would be enough to trigger a recall petition - which would likely lead to a by-election.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2023

The award has been presented annually since 1998, excepting the pandemic years 2020 and 2021.

From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2022

Francie thought her diary would be like that, but excepting for some romantic observations on Harold Clarence, actor, the entries were prosaic.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• fewer