exempt

1 of 3

adjective

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

exempt

2 of 3

verb

exempted; exempting; exempts

transitive verb

: to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are subject

exempted from military service

exempt

3 of 3

noun

: one exempted or freed from duty

Examples of exempt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Voters approved a measure to give motion picture studios tax exempt status in the state. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026

Newsom, in his veto message at the time, cited concerns about stifling innovation and said smaller AI models, which would have been exempt from the law, could also be dangerous. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

The memo said assistant principals who are teaching classes exempted from the law — due to a shortage of space or licensed teachers — will also receive the extra pay. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

California currently exempts vehicles made before the 1976 model year from the state's regular smog-check requirement. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximere "to take out, remove, set free, obtain immunity for," from ex- ex- entry 1 + emere "to take, buy" — more at redeem

Verb

Middle English, as past participle exemptid, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French exempter, borrowed from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximere "to take out, remove, set free, obtain immunity for" — more at exempt entry 1

Noun

derivative of exempt entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1532, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing exempt

• tax-exempt

Rhymes for exempt

• attempt
• contempt
• preempt
• unkempt
• empt
• tempt
• nonexempt

Kids 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

exempt

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.