loophole

1 of 2

noun

loop·​hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl How to pronounce loophole (audio)
plural loopholes
1
: a means of escape
especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded
2
a
: a small opening through which small arms may be fired
b
: a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation

loophole

2 of 2

verb

loopholed; loopholing; loopholes

transitive verb

: to make loopholes in

Examples of loophole in a Sentence

Noun She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law. His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal. tried to close a loophole in the new legislation
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Higher corporate taxes, billionaire minimum taxes, the chopping of loopholes and deficit cuts are among the most laudable ideas. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 Corporations also avoid taxes by shifting profits offshore, among other loopholes, the report says. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Newscasts have at times been, unintentionally or intentionally, a source of public misunderstandings about climate that festered into loopholes exploited by corporate campaigns seeking to sow doubt about the scientific consensus that climate change is real and human-caused. The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 More recently, the Kennedy campaign has experimented with an AI chatbot that used an apparent loophole to get around OpenAI’s restrictions on political use. Makena Kelly, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2024 Boosting production in Mexico has been floated as a potential tax loophole for Chinese manufacturers; because of Mexico’s North American trade status, EVs produced there would be exempt from any import tariffs. Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024 The United States and other governments should increase their intelligence gathering on money laundering in Dubai, share findings about gaps in implementation, deliver that information to the FATF, and continue to use their influence within the FATF to advocate that these loopholes are closed. John Prendergast, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb. 2024 Under the scheme, detectives say the suspects exploited loopholes in Nike’s distribution system, starting at the source: a main hub in southeast Memphis, the origin of products shipped nationwide by the sportswear giant. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024 Without organization, potential customers might be able to spot loopholes due to your lack of planning and foresight. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

loop entry 3

First Known Use

Noun

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loophole was in 1591

Dictionary Entries Near loophole

Cite this Entry

“Loophole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loophole. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

loophole

noun
loop·​hole
ˈlüp-ˌhōl
1
: a small opening
especially : one in a wall through which firearms may be discharged
2
: a way of escaping something
especially : a way of avoiding a law or regulation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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