exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən 

plural exceptions

1

: the act of excepting : exclusion

2

: one that is excepted

especially : a case to which a rule does not apply

3

: question, objection

witnesses whose authority is beyond exception

—T. B. Macaulay

see also take exception

4

: an oral or written legal objection

Synonyms

• challenge
• complaint
• demur
• demurral
• demurrer
• difficulty
• expostulation
• fuss
• kick
• objection
• protest
• question
• remonstrance
• stink

Examples of exception in a Sentence

There will be no exceptions to this rule.

I take strong exception to your assessment of his singing ability.

Recent Examples on the Web

This requirement effectively limits poll worker eligibility to U.S. citizens and excludes most noncitizens, with a few exceptions, such as high school students serving as student poll workers under supervision. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

This law has been in place since 2014 and applies statewide, with exceptions for roles where background checks are mandated by statute. —Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

The exception was fourth-round receiver Jordan Watkins, who caught three passes — two from Purdy — in the practice. —Matt Barrows, New York Times, 30 May 2025

All but one have flown atop Falcon 9s; the lone exception was GPS III SV-02, which rode a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket to space in August 2019. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exception

• make an exception
• no exception
• take exception
• the exception rather than the rule
• without exception
• with the exception of

Rhymes for exception

• conception
• deception
• inception
• perception
• reception
• apperception
• contraception
• interception
• misconception
• misperception
• preconception
• intussusception

Kids Definition

exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion ik-ˈsep-shən 

1

: the act of excepting : exclusion

it's all here, with the exception of the sweater

2

: a case where a rule does not apply

we'll make an exception this time

3

: an objection or a ground for objection

took exception to the remark

Legal Definition

exception

noun

ex·​cep·​tion

1

: something that is excepted or excluded

especially : a situation to which a rule does not apply

the Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions, and under such regulations as the Congress shall make

—U.S. Constitution art. III

2

: an act of excepting

especially : exclusion of a section of real property from a conveyance compare reservation

3

: a usually written objection especially to a judge's ruling

filed an exception raising a question regarding jury instructions

—used especially in equity proceedings see also bill of exceptions at bill sense 3a