exempt

1 of 3

adjective

ex·​empt ig-ˈzem(p)t How to pronounce exempt (audio)
Synonyms of exemptnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Which counties and cities are exempt? Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 17 Dec. 2025 In response to a public records act request for any complaints, grievances or allegations filed by Watson in the last 12 months, the city provided the September email exchange and said all other responsive records are exempt under attorney-client privilege and the catch-all exemption. Mathew Miranda december 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Verb
The price of coffee has risen in part due to the president's tariffs on places like Brazil -- although last month the White House began exempting coffee from his tariffs. Meghan Mistry, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2025 India’s foreign policy approach also does not exempt it fully from picking sides. Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exempt was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exempt. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

exempt

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​empt ig-ˈzem(p)t How to pronounce exempt (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce exempt (audio)
: 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 creditorsJ. 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 trustW. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

More from Merriam-Webster on exempt

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