exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce exception (audio)
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 exceptionT. B. Macaulay
see also take exception
4
: an oral or written legal objection

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
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.
Some exceptions are expected to be included in the rule concerning avoiding conflict with appraisal requirements or other state laws,, including if the award was made without authority, is not compliant with the appraisal provision, or if fraud, accident, or a material mistake was involved. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 But the exceptions spelled out in NASA’s shutdown plans this week go even further, allowing work to continue on Artemis III — the landmark moon-landing mission currently slated for mid-2027 — as well as Artemis missions expected to fly later this decade or next. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025 Swift has shied away from the public eye since the podcast was announced, the only exception being her and Kelce announcing their engagement on Instagram. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 Despite even my very best plans, my freezer is often where food goes to die—with a few exceptions. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exception

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exception was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exception. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

exception

noun
ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce exception (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on exception

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