loophole

loop·hole | \ ˈlüp-ˌhōl

How to pronounce loophole (audio)

\

plural loopholes

Definition of loophole

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a means of escape especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

2a : a small opening through which small arms may be fired

b : a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation

loophole

loopholed; loopholing; loopholes

Definition of loophole (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to make loopholes in

Examples of loophole in a Sentence

Noun She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law. His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal. tried to close a loophole in the new legislation

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Companies like Amazon and Spotify had taken advantage of that loophole. — Washington Post, "Maker of hit video game Fortnite sues Apple after game’s removal from App Store in dispute over payment system," 13 Aug. 2020 That regulation was strengthened under the Obama administration, which closed a loophole that allowed manufacturers to add multiple faucets to the showerhead to increase the pressure. — Madison Dibble, Washington Examiner, "Trump administration looks to sink regulations on showerheads," 13 Aug. 2020 More retailers are collecting sales taxes from Texans after the Legislature closed an online shopping loophole last year. — Maria Halkias, Dallas News, "Texans have been spending like there’s no tomorrow — and now it’s tax-free weekend," 5 Aug. 2020 However, a loophole makes enforcement difficult: These packages are often sent across international borders. — Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, "Those mystery seeds from China? Might be part of a Amazon review scam," 31 July 2020 But a loophole meant that dependents 17 years old and up weren’t eligible for the $500, leaving many college students excluded. — Whizy Kim, refinery29.com, "We Might Be Getting Another $1,200 Stimulus — But Who Does The HEALS Act Really Heal?," 28 July 2020 Like finding a loophole in a system, the curriculum was designed to pass state tests, rather than making the classroom learning experience meaningful. — James Barrett, Redbook, "What It’s Like To Teach At The Lowest Ranked School In New York City," 28 May 2020 Canada is cracking down on would-be tourists who have been using a loophole to visit natural parks and leisure sites during the coronavirus pandemic. — Zachary Halaschak, Washington Examiner, "Canada issues stricter guidelines for people traveling through country to get to Alaska," 31 July 2020 Alabama has a law protecting monuments as well, but the university found a loophole in the law that allowed the removal of the memorial boulder. — Chris Joyner, ajc, "As monuments tumble, are we ‘erasing’ history? Historians say no," 12 July 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loophole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

16 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Loophole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loophole. Accessed 22 Aug. 2020.

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