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
Rytis Lauris, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Most Canadian foods are exempt from tariffs for now, but considering Trump’s ongoing feud with our northern neighbor, taxes seem like only a matter of time.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
The ordinance now fully exempts residential buildings constructed after 2004.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 May 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
Most of its products are sold by Chinese manufacturers and shipped directly to consumers via low-cost shipping options that take upward of 30 days, and because of the low price of products, orders were previously exempt from de minimis (no duty on imports valued less than $800).
—Rytis Lauris, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Most Canadian foods are exempt from tariffs for now, but considering Trump’s ongoing feud with our northern neighbor, taxes seem like only a matter of time.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025
Verb
Even if Trump were to proceed with the plan, his team probably would have to come up with another legal vehicle: A 1988 amendment to the Emergency Economic Powers Act explicitly exempts films, publications and artwork, among other items, from foreign duties.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
The ordinance now fully exempts residential buildings constructed after 2004.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 May 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 22 May. 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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