variants
also excepting
: not including (someone or something) : other than (something or someone)
The stores will be open daily except Sundays.
Excepting [=with the exception of] one student, no one could answer the questions correctly.
Everyone was invited except [=but] me.
1
—used to introduce a statement that indicates the only person or thing that is not included in or referred to by a previous statement
Take no orders except from me. [=take orders only from me]
Employees were not allowed to leave except in an emergency. [=unless there was an emergency]
She didn't leave the house all weekend, except to go to church. [=she only left the house to go to church]
He does nothing except [=but] complain. [=all he does is complain]
2
—used to introduce a statement that explains the reason why something is not possible, will not happen, etc.
We'd go, except (that) it's too far.
I would buy a new suit, except I don't have enough money.
excepts; excepted; excepting
formal
: to leave out (someone or something) : to not include (someone or something)
Children were excepted from the study.
Everyone was included in the study—children excepted. [=except for children]
I don't like lawyers—present company excepted, of course! [=although I don't like lawyers, I make an exception in your case]
Cite this Entry
“Except.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/except. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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