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
Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
The network noted that The View had obtained a ruling from the FCC in 2002, declaring that the show was exempt from the equal time rule.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
The council also exempted from SB 79 areas that are close to a transit stop but violate the spirit of SB 79 because residents can’t walk to it easily because of barriers like canyons, freeways or a lack of sidewalks.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
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
However, the administration has barred travelers from Iran and Haiti, though World Cup players, coaches and other support personnel are exempt.
—Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
The network noted that The View had obtained a ruling from the FCC in 2002, declaring that the show was exempt from the equal time rule.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 May 2026
Verb
The law, which also applies to nursing and municipal workers unions, exempts unions that represent police officers, firefighters and corrections officers, whose leaders typically support Republicans.
—Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
The council also exempted from SB 79 areas that are close to a transit stop but violate the spirit of SB 79 because residents can’t walk to it easily because of barriers like canyons, freeways or a lack of sidewalks.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 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
See All Example Sentences for exempt
Cite this Entry
“Exempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exempt. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
