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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2024

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

Once they do I realize that the saloon is empty excepting for the bartender, polishing glasses.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• fewer