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 At least two are highly complicated watches in precious metals, the Bao Dai and the Ref. 4113 Split-Seconds—the type of timepiece Rolex no longer really produces, with the exception perhaps of the Sky-Dweller. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2024 Beaches are swimmable, despite the Pacific coast location Beaches on the Pacific are often not suitable for swimming because of cooler water temperatures and larger waves, but Puerto Vallarta is an exception. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 Read: Megan Garber on the logical fallacy of Christine Blasey Ford’s ‘choice’ Ford’s own story, in many ways, was an exception to #MeToo’s rule. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2024 But there is an exception in state law that allows the quota to be exceeded for off-premise retailers when there is no other license holder within 2 miles. Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 19 Mar. 2024 Rereleases don’t generally generate huge grosses — exceptions include Avatar — and Oppenheimer looks to earn roughly $333K for the weekend. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Mar. 2024 But tasks that involved planning were a notable exception. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 Alameda County, an exception to rising rent in the Bay Area, recorded rent downturn of 4.7% from February 2023, representing the 19th biggest annual drop in the U.S. Orange County was an exception to falling rent in Southern California, with rent rising 1.6%. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The exceptions are noted on the Ticketmaster website. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exception.' 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 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 28 Mar. 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

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