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

Biden won six of the seven states represented in the letter, with the lone exception being North Carolina, where the Biden campaign has invested heavily to try to flip the state. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 21 July 2024

The Knicks can use the $2.5 million taxpayer mid-level exception to sign a free-agent center, exceed the salary cap to re-sign Precious Achiuwa, or acquire a big man in a trade with another team. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 July 2024

The offensive outburst was a welcome sign from a lineup that entered the break reeling, with slight exception to Sunday’s thrilling walk-off win. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 July 2024

Turns out, with the notable exception of Shohei Ohtani, the front office might have done some really silly things, making mistakes that have haunted the team all season. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 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