exemption

noun

ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
1
: the act of exempting or state of being exempt : immunity
2
: one that exempts or is exempted
especially : a source or amount of income exempted from taxation

Examples of exemption in a Sentence

They were granted exemptions from military service. You can claim a tax exemption for each of your dependents.
Recent Examples on the Web This temporary exemption is set to sunset on December 31, 2025. Jessica Ledingham, J.d., Ll.m., Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024 In addition, Texas does not tax income, and eligible senior homeowners may receive large homestead exemptions on their property taxes. Ashley Cusick, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, a Trump administration might roll back Affordable Care Act policies that provide no-cost contraception, including emergency contraception, by reinstating moral exemptions. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 23 Oct. 2024 Personal exemptions will remain at zero and itemized deductions remain unlimited, both a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for exemption 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exemption.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near exemption

Cite this Entry

“Exemption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemption. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

exemption

noun
ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
1
: the act of exempting : the state of being exempt
2
: something that is exempted

Legal Definition

exemption

noun
ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzemp-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
1
: the act of exempting or state of being exempt
2
: one that exempts or is exempted: as
a
: an amount of income exempted from taxation that may be deducted from adjusted gross income under the tax laws see also Internal Revenue Code compare deduction, exclusion, tax credit
dependency exemption \ də-​ˈpen-​dən-​sē-​ \
: an exemption that is allowed for each dependent who qualifies under the tax laws (as sections 151 and 152 of the Internal Revenue Code)

Note: Under the federal income tax laws, the dependency exemption is allowed for each dependent whose gross income is less than the exemption or who is a child of the taxpayer and is under 19 or a student under 24.

personal exemption
: an exemption that is allowed for the taxpayer or for the taxpayer and spouse if filing a joint return
b
: the right created by federal and state laws to exempt specified types of property from a bankruptcy estate
precludes the debtor from using the exemptions in the Bankruptcy Code
also : a type of property that may be claimed as exempt see also Bankruptcy Code

More from Merriam-Webster on exemption

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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