The word "ex-cept" means excluding or leaving out something or someone. Some of its antonyms include include, incorporate, embrace, and involve. These words indicate the opposite of excluding and, instead, show that something or someone is part of a particular group or situation. The use of these antonyms can change the meaning of a sentence, making it more inclusive or highlighting the involvement of a particular person or thing in a given context. For example, "I will invite everyone except John to the party" can be changed to "I will incorporate everyone, including John, to the party.