except

Meaning

Verb

1. To exclude; to specify as being an exception.
2. To take exception, to object (to or against).

Prep

Used to introduce a noun or noun phrase forming an exception or qualification to something previously stated.

Conj

1. Used to introduce a clause, phrase, verb infinitive, adverb or other non-noun complement forming an exception or qualification to something previously stated.
2. (informal) Loosely, used to introduce a contrastive statement explaining why something wasn't successful, didn't happen, etc.
3. Unless; used to introduce a hypothetical case in which an exception may exist.

Synonyms

besides

but

other than

without

exclude

unless

save

apart from

excluding

leave out

omit

only

with the exception of

excepting

except for

leave off

exempt

take out

remove

bar

minus

demur

leaving

aside from

in addition to

out

barring

beside

outside of

beyond

apart

outside

protest

provided that

put up

raise

remonstrate

sans

saving

separated

spare

subject

take

take away

take off

than

whereas

without prejudice

yet

but for

refrain from

save for

no other

make an exception of

to the exclusion

with the exception

save that

abandoning

scratch that

abate

abstain from

administer

after

all but

allocate

alone

apportion

avoid

bare

deal

distribute

drop

eliminate

furthermore

give out

give up

have

however

if not

less

lift

moreover

move

nevertheless

not

🚫

not counting

object

only if

out of

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɪkˈsɛpt/

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French excepter, from Latin exceptus.

Sentences

He stripped it of everything worth moving , except scenery .

All songs by Ciccone Youth , except where noted .

The organ of this cathedral is made of ebony , except the pipes of course .