# EXCEPT

A set operation returning distinct rows in the first result but not the second.

## What is **EXCEPT** in a relational database?

**EXCEPT** — A set operation returning distinct rows in the first result but not the second.

```sql
SELECT email FROM customer
EXCEPT
SELECT email FROM subscriber;
```

Level: Apprentice · [More Database terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/subjects/database/apprentice)

Updated: September 27, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/except