except for

Idioms

Also, with the exception of. Other than, were it not for. For example, Except for Jack, everyone came to the party, or With the exception of the weather, everything went extremely well. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

except for

It was the kind of drop-everything request familiar to jet-setting professionals, except for one thing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

"We have carried out some geophysical surveys but the buildings have never been dug so their secrets remain hidden except for these rare moments when their outlines appear in the lawns," he added.

From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026

“Enough” is a good retort, though, for “Super Troopers 3” overall, except for the dispiriting promise before the closing credits that more mediocrity might be coming.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026

All the other ratings are neutral, except for one company.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026

She had not seemed herself since they entered the caverns, except for the brief time when they were swimming.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023