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

Programs such as Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control can expedite the overall process, but even participating passengers aren’t exempt from random stops in the interest of protecting national security. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

The issue is not whether Black academics should be exempt from scrutiny. — Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Verb

State law specifically exempts internet-ticket resales from its licensing requirements, provided the website operator meets consumer-protection rules. — Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago said exempting crypto from capital controls would create an unfair distortion. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 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, from Anglo-French, from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximere to take out — more at example

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.