exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce exception (audio)
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 exceptionT. B. Macaulay
see also take exception
4
: an oral or written legal objection

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.
In recent decades, news outlets have typically called the presidential race late on election night or the morning after, with two notable exceptions. Rachel Barber, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024 So, with the notable exception of Bouchard as sheriff, Democratic incumbents had strong leads in their bids to return to countywide offices. Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 6 Nov. 2024 There was one notable exception: Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, a Republican, got kicked out of a voting center at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix for crossing the 75-foot line that marks the campaigning limit. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Nov. 2024 The polls on the East Coast will close first, and results there should come most quickly, although there are exceptions to the rule. The Hill Staff, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near exception

Cite this Entry

“Exception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exception. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

exception

noun
ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce exception (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on exception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!