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

This level of funding is sure to be disruptive to the pro game; rumors are that dozens of PPA exclusive pros are inquiring about availability exceptions for this event already. —Todd Boss, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Even the protections that preserve the park where de la Torre works contain exceptions for oil companies and Indigenous communities, and wildlife hunting is still rampant. —Jessica Camille Aguirre, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2025

The Clean Air Act prohibits individual states from enacting their own emission standards, vesting that authority with the EPA, but section 209 provides a special exception for California. —Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 5 Jan. 2025

And while La Niña periods — like the one the Pacific is likely entering — typically result in drier conditions, there are plenty of exceptions to the rule. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025

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