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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The lone exception on the Republican ticket is Nick Reinecker, who filed just before the deadline on June 1. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 An exception to that rule came in 2021, when an elderly couple in Bangkok sued their son and his wife, after they were told to leave the family home. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 July 2026 Those needs are easily accommodated through thoughtful exceptions easily administered by teachers and school staff. — Paul Jester, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 For instance, a support agent about to approve a refund needs the return policy, the customer’s history, information about the product in question and the rule that allows the exception. — Michael Leone, Forbes.com, 8 July 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
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • The encouraging sign is that AI can now help police what AI builders are doing through agent simulation, anomaly detection and better observability.
    — Jason Andersen, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • Yes, Your Friends & Neighbors got an Emmy nomination for outstanding drama series and nothing else, a strange anomaly, though far from the day’s strangest anomaly.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • Attorneys for the building’s defendants have denied the allegations in court filings and any liability for the accident, and have filed a third-party complaint against the construction company that employed Rojas.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The lawsuit aims to become a class action and comes after weeks of fierce criticism and complaints from customers regarding the company’s practices.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Alex Bell, chairman emeritus of Sotheby’s UK and Old Masters worldwide, said the work succeeded because it combined scale, rarity, impeccable provenance, and immediate visual impact.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 1 July 2026
  • Amsterdam was largely laid out in the 17th century, making new land available for gardens a rarity.
    — Zoë Dare Hall, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Interestingly, the development could lead to precision for delicate industrial manufacturing, gives advanced prosthetics a richer sense of touch, and allow surgical systems to instantly detect fine tissue abnormalities through visual color cues.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • Kesseli and the team investigated three possible reasons for this abnormality.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 1 July 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 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exception

Nglish: Translation of exception for Spanish Speakers

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