escape clause
noun
: a part of a contract that allows a person to get out of the contract in a particular situation
Examples of escape clause in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These ultimately came to nothing, as Verstappen’s position in the 2025 drivers’ standings was high enough by the August summer break to ensure a results-dependent escape clause in his Red Bull contract (that runs to 2028) could not be triggered.
—
Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Are there Republicans who want Trump to turn the Constitution over and find an escape clause?
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The fight over school choice ends with escape clause for blue states.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 10 July 2025
For many creators, this feels less like consent and more like default inclusion with an escape clause.
—Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The £100m ($129m) escape clause in his contract loomed over everything.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
The amendment is only an amendment that allows the IOC to have an escape clause if the United States somehow undermines it with the world anti-doping code.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 25 July 2024
However, the agreement intended to bind the A’s to Las Vegas provides the team with an unusual escape clause: If ever a tax is aimed at the A’s, the team can leave town without penalty.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Are there Republicans who want Trump to turn the Constitution over and find an escape clause?
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The fight over school choice ends with escape clause for blue states.
—Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 10 July 2025
For many creators, this feels less like consent and more like default inclusion with an escape clause.
—Virginie Berger, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The £100m ($129m) escape clause in his contract loomed over everything.
—George Caulkin, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
The amendment is only an amendment that allows the IOC to have an escape clause if the United States somehow undermines it with the world anti-doping code.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 25 July 2024
However, the agreement intended to bind the A’s to Las Vegas provides the team with an unusual escape clause: If ever a tax is aimed at the A’s, the team can leave town without penalty.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Escape clause.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escape%20clause. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
