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 of exception

• 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

In modern Army operations, GPS denial and uncertain terrain are becoming the norm rather than the exception. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025

Another exception is if a manager personally gives an employee a cash gift or gift card, Pon said. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025

But in Atlanta, where dining out and dining well are a priority, there are plentiful exceptions to the rule. —Su-Jit Lin, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

The point was for Arctic states to help prevent accidents and pollution, but states have since used the exception to extend their geographical sovereignty. —Brett Simpson, The Atlantic, 26 Dec. 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