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

Bloomberg News reported the exception was meant to benefit one of Newsom's wealthy campaign donors who owns Panera Bread restaurants. —Adam Beam, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2024

The ban prohibits all abortions, with the only exception being to save the life of the mother. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2024

The only exception in the law is to save a mother's life. —The Arizona Republic, 24 Apr. 2024

During the 2023 legislative session, state lawmakers carved out exceptions for ectopic and molar pregnancies — complications that guarantee a pregnancy will not be viable. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2024

The plaintiffs could not sue the U.S. government, which is (with a few exceptions) immune to tort lawsuits. —Mattathias Schwartz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2024

The first exception was Jallianwalla Bagh, where Dyer had ordered troops to fire on the gathering of Indians. —TIME, 23 Apr. 2024

Even with Detroit's loss of population, that seems like progress, with one major exception: Nearly half of the city's murders still aren't getting solved. —Detroit Free Press, 22 Apr. 2024

The policy has noted exceptions for undercover operations and work in sensitive areas. —Alex Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 22 Apr. 2024

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