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

Aside from the pandemic anomaly, the World Bank data also showed that only three exceptions to annual passenger growth occurred post-1980. —Dana Dunne, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Federal contractors and in some cases subcontractors are an exception, as are a handful of states. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025

Cacti and succulents can generally be transitioned to full sun (one notable exception are the forest cacti). —Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025

The lone exception was Lexington, who proved tough in one of the program’s best years with a personal record 17-game win streak. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 21 June 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