but for

Meaning

Prep

1. Except, except for, not counting; were it not for.
2. despite; in spite of

Adj

Pertaining to a test of causation whereby an agent or action is considered to have caused an event (and therefore to be responsible and/or liable for said event) if, had said agent or action not existed, the event would not have taken place.

Synonyms

except for

without

but

except

save for

apart from

saving for

barring