exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən 

plural exceptions

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

• challenge
• complaint
• demur
• demurral
• demurrer
• difficulty
• expostulation
• fuss
• kick
• objection
• protest
• question
• remonstrance
• stink

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

Each exception should be justified and closely monitored to maintain the integrity of your security framework. —Danny Jenkins, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Although the study found a correlation between city size and family bonds, with smaller cities leading the nation in strong family connections, Arizona was an exception, with the larger cities displaying closer family relationships. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

Jenkins does give us one wonderful underwater fight which might be the exception that proves the rule. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

One of the few exceptions is Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the largest salt flats in the world and the remains of an ancient lake that was bigger than Switzerland. —Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exception

• make an exception
• no exception
• take exception
• the exception rather than the rule
• without exception
• with the exception of

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