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

• 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

The United States economy is vastly different from ancient Rome’s, with one important exception: there remains today the same temptation to finance public promises with money created out of thin air. —Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

Any exceptions lawmakers want to carve out must be backed by a strong state interest that increases protections for minors. —Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 4 July 2025

Ohio school cell phone ban has exceptions Lawmakers included some exceptions. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025

Leguizamo cites a 2023 report by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and UnidosUS, which found that 87% of key topics in Latino history were excluded across the six textbooks analyzed — with the exception being Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. —Los Angeles Times, 3 July 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