exemption

noun

ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən 

1

: the act of exempting or state of being exempt : immunity

2

: one that exempts or is exempted

especially : a source or amount of income exempted from taxation

Synonyms of exemption

• immunity
• protection

Examples of exemption in a Sentence

They were granted exemptions from military service.

You can claim a tax exemption for each of your dependents.

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the bill was so contentious that in order to squeak it through, legislators stuffed it full of carve-outs and exemptions, allowing cities to delay implementation by passing their own plans to add density. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

But the city still carved out exemptions, including for fire protection and growing food. — Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026

The Sports Broadcasting Act exemption passed in 1961 applies only to broadcast television. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Repeal sales tax exemptions and other outdated or unnecessary incentives for data centers. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exemption

• preemption
• redemption
• emption

Kids Definition

exemption

noun

ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən 

1

: the act of exempting : the state of being exempt

2

: something that is exempted

Legal Definition

exemption

noun

ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzemp-shən 

1

: the act of exempting or state of being exempt

2

: one that exempts or is exempted: as

a

: an amount of income exempted from taxation that may be deducted from adjusted gross income under the tax laws see also Internal Revenue Code compare deduction, exclusion, tax credit

— dependency exemption \ də-​ˈpen-​dən-​sē-​ \

: an exemption that is allowed for each dependent who qualifies under the tax laws (as sections 151 and 152 of the Internal Revenue Code)

Note: Under the federal income tax laws, the dependency exemption is allowed for each dependent whose gross income is less than the exemption or who is a child of the taxpayer and is under 19 or a student under 24.

— personal exemption

: an exemption that is allowed for the taxpayer or for the taxpayer and spouse if filing a joint return

b

: the right created by federal and state laws to exempt specified types of property from a bankruptcy estate

precludes the debtor from using the exemptions in the Bankruptcy Code

also : a type of property that may be claimed as exempt see also Bankruptcy Code

c

: homestead exemption