ex·empt
ig-ˈzem(p)t 
1
: free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
was exempt from jury duty
the estate was exempt from taxes
2
obsolete
: set apart
exempted; exempting; exempts
: to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
exempted from military service
: one exempted or freed from duty
Examples of exempt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Certain small construction projects, such as building accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet tall, retaining walls less than 4 feet high, and small decks that meet specific code criteria, are also exempt from needing a permit.
—Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
The decision ends a stand-off between the internet giant and the Australian government which initially exempted YouTube from the age restriction, citing its use for educational purposes.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025
Adam Baum, The Enquirer, 20 July 2022
The electric-car maker clashed with Fremont officials last month over whether its factory was an essential business exempt from shutdown orders.
—BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for exempt
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Adjective
The policy also mandates interviews for all affected cases, with no waivers for applicants who might otherwise be exempt.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025
Certain small construction projects, such as building accessory structures under 200 square feet, fences under 7 feet tall, retaining walls less than 4 feet high, and small decks that meet specific code criteria, are also exempt from needing a permit.
—Matthew Glowicki, Louisville Courier Journal, 1 Dec. 2025
Verb
Eligible homeowners can exempt 50 percent of the first $200,000 of their primary residence’s value, providing significant relief, while surviving spouses of qualifying veterans and Gold Star spouses remain eligible.
—Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025
The decision ends a stand-off between the internet giant and the Australian government which initially exempted YouTube from the age restriction, citing its use for educational purposes.
—Reuters, NBC news, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
One additional player may be added to each draw as a special exempt.
—Adam Baum, The Enquirer, 20 July 2022
The electric-car maker clashed with Fremont officials last month over whether its factory was an essential business exempt from shutdown orders.
—BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2020
See All Example Sentences for exempt
Cite this Entry
“Exempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exempt. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exempt
1 of 2 adjective
ex·empt
ig-ˈzem(p)t
: free or released from some requirement that others must meet or deal with
exempt
2 of 2 verb
: to make exempt
Legal Definition
exempt
1 of 2 adjective
ex·empt
ig-ˈzempt
: free or released from some obligation or duty to which others are subject : not subject or liable
certain properties are declared to be exempt and cannot be taken by a person's creditors—J. H. Williamson
J. H. Williamsonexempt
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to release or exclude from some liability (as in taxation), obligation, or duty to which others are subject
exempts the income of a spendthrift trust—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.
W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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