exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən 
plural exceptions
Synonyms of exception
1
: the act of excepting : exclusion
2
: one that is excepted
especially : a case to which a rule does not apply
3
: question, objection
… witnesses whose authority is beyond exception.—T. B. Macaulay
see also take exception
4
: an oral or written legal objection

Synonyms of exception

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Examples of exception in a Sentence

There will be no exceptions to this rule. I take strong exception to your assessment of his singing ability.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One exception is the Department of the Army, headed by a civilian appointee, which agreed with getting rid of CHMR entirely. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 Under the new rules, Grad PLUS loans are no longer available to most new borrowers, though there are some exceptions for existing students. — Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 There are exceptions and one is Hig (Elordi), who before the virus hit was a mechanic living a good life with his pregnant wife and new puppy. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 Although kids of the same age can often be of a similar height, there are always exceptions. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exception

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exception was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing exception

Rhymes for exception

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Browse Nearby Words

exceptio
exception
exceptionable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exception. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exception

noun
ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən 
1
: the act of excepting : exclusion
it's all here, with the exception of the sweater
2
: a case where a rule does not apply
we'll make an exception this time
3
: an objection or a ground for objection
took exception to the remark

Legal Definition

exception

noun
ex·​cep·​tion
1
: something that is excepted or excluded
especially : a situation to which a rule does not apply
the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make —U.S. Constitution art. III
2
: an act of excepting
especially : exclusion of a section of real property from a conveyance compare reservation
3
: a usually written objection especially to a judge's ruling
filed an exception raising a question regarding jury instructions
—used especially in equity proceedings see also bill of exceptions at bill sense 3a
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