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

• objection
• complaint
• question

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

The State Department said rare exceptions might be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or for foreign policy reasons. —Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025

The only exception is for Brits who are legally resident in the EU, or covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. —Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2025

Crime in Milwaukee continued its downward trend in 2025, but homicides remain one of the only exceptions. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Many in Europe, however, hoped that Qatar 2022 would be an exception, but with Saudi Arabia awarded the 2034 World Cup, the tournament is unlikely to return to its usual space in the calendar. —Matt Slater, New York Times, 9 Oct. 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

Rhymes for exception

• conception
• deception
• inception
• perception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

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