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

Related Words

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

For one, excepting gold, Venezuela’s confirmed minerals are cheap, he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

His clean-shaven face is ruddy and, excepting a divot between his eyebrows, unwrinkled.

From New York Times • Nov. 5, 2023

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

They raced through the reading and by eleven, all the Nolans, excepting Johnny, who was working, were in bed.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

Related Words

• fewer