exception

noun

ex·cep·tion | \ ik-ˈsep-shən

Definition of exception

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

4 : an oral or written legal objection

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about exception

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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 the mid-1990s, Walmart stopped selling handguns with the exception of Alaska. — Anne D’innocenzio, BostonGlobe.com, "Walmart to stop selling handgun ammunition," 3 Sep. 2019 Walmart stopped selling handguns in the mid-1990s, with the exception of Alaska. — Anne D’innocenzio, Twin Cities, "Walmart to stop selling certain ammunition, asks customers not to openly carry guns," 3 Sep. 2019 Walmart stopped selling handguns in the mid-1990s, with the exception of Alaska. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Walmart to stop selling certain gun ammunition," 3 Sep. 2019 Other family members will need to stay at nearby Park Vista High School, 7900 Jog Road, Lake Worth, with the exception of single parents with children. — Brooke Baitinger, sun-sentinel.com, "Several hurricane shelters are now open in Palm Beach County. Here is a list and a map of them.," 1 Sep. 2019 Every candidate who has qualified for the third debate has explicitly expressed support for the Green New Deal, with the exception of Biden. — Natasha Bach, Fortune, "Ten 2020 Candidates Will Debate in CNN’s Climate Crisis Debate Next Week. Here’s Where They Stand," 31 Aug. 2019 With the exception of Queen Elizabeth II, there is probably no one alive today who has spent more time in the corridors of world power for longer than Imelda Marcos. — Todd Mccarthy, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Kingmaker': Film Review | Venice 2019," 31 Aug. 2019 Historically, Orlo Vista has seen little flooding — with the exception of Hurricane Donna in 1960 — but Irma also dropped 9.1 inches in a 28-hour period, overwhelming two large pumps and drainage there that protected the neighborhood for decades. — Ryan Gillespie, orlandosentinel.com, "Hurricane Dorian: Areas flooded by Irma could be in trouble again, meteorologist says," 29 Aug. 2019 The animals continued to be seen in the same watersheds, with the exception of severe losses in South Australia. — Christie Wilcox, National Geographic, "The silent decline of the platypus, Australia’s beloved oddity," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exception.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

8 Sep 2019

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Time Traveler for exception

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

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More Definitions for exception

exception

noun

English Language Learners Definition of exception

: someone or something that is different from others : someone or something that is not included

: a case where a rule does not apply

See the full definition for exception in the English Language Learners Dictionary

exception

noun

ex·cep·tion | \ ik-ˈsep-shən

Kids Definition of exception

1 : someone or something that is not included I returned all the books with one exception.

2 : a case to which a rule does not apply We'll make an exception this time.

3 : an objection or a reason for objecting —usually used with take He took exception to the change.

exception

noun

ex·cep·tion

Legal Definition of exception

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