exception

noun

ik-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce exception (audio)
Definition of exceptionnext
1
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent I take strong exception to your assessment of his singing ability

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in anomaly
something that is different from what is ordinary or expected her tardiness today is an exception; usually she's on time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of exception Basketball historians and longtime KU fans may recall a notable exception from the Williams era. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026 The exception tends to be District 15, where votes mix as those boundaries meet on the capital’s western edge. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026 The Soros family was a major exception among the election's biggest donors, who overwhelmingly favored Republicans. — Spencer Kimball,garrett Downs,dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,justin Papp, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 There are exceptions to the show’s recurring feeling of contrivance. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exception
  1. objection
  2. anomaly
  3. complaint
  4. rarity
  5. question
  6. abnormality
Noun
  • The work was temporarily delayed by objections raised by the Georgia Ports Authority, part of a long-running feud between GPA leaders and Dulany.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The standard objection is that ordinary citizens do not read disclosures.
    — Tal Feldman, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • Her one big acquisition, a pair of Chanel earrings, was an anomaly.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Its planet-hopping space disaster narrative sees the crew of the starship Wild Blue Yonder hit a quantum anomaly, forcing their ship to crash-land onto a deadly exoplanet.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • On Tuesday, Su was charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in a Palo Alto courtroom, with the complaint also alleging that Chen personally inflicted great bodily injury during the assault and that the victim was particularly vulnerable.
    — Senior Editor, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • The Kennedy complaint goes a step further, citing a recent forensic analysis by the Washington Post that shows the arch would cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Don’t back down from the rain Sam and Jasmin’s wedding day started out a bit drizzly, a rarity for early summer in Istanbul.
    — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Though the average age of a lawmaker in Congress has gotten younger in recent years, being a Gen Z member of Congress remains a rarity.
    — Elena Moore, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Last April, a lead national security prosecutor in the investigation of former CIA Director John Brennan was replaced on the team after raising questions about the strength of the case.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The mission’s classified status leaves several technical questions unanswered.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • There have also been reports that mice carrying a mix of mitochondrial DNA from two animals had behavioral, cognitive, and other abnormalities.
    — Megan Molteni, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Doctors have long relied primarily on transvaginal ultrasounds to examine the thickness of the uterine lining for abnormalities, as well as on endometrial tissue biopsies to determine whether cancer or precancerous changes are present.
    — Margaret Hetherman, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of abnormality

Phrases Containing exception

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excepting
exception
exceptionability
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Cite this Entry

“Exception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exception. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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