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.

---

conjunction

1. Archaic. except; unless; save.

excepting British  

/ ɪkˈsɛptɪŋ /

preposition

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

---

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

They have not finished any closer between then and now, excepting the pandemic-shortened season of 2020.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2024

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

“When I met you, I thought you was very handsome, excepting you wasn’t interested.”

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Related Words

• fewer