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
  • At the time, the Department of Justice argued that the president could sidestep the Insurrection Act to send armed troops into American streets over the objection of local leaders.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • When a videographer understands the audience’s doubts, objections or knowledge gaps, the script, visuals and tone become more intentional.
    — Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • Whether that’s a single-stock anomaly or a signal that the market has quietly repriced its tolerance for earnings disappointment across the sector is the question the rest of earnings season will start to answer.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • Yet its success feels less like an anomaly than a symptom of the present, in which perpetual crisis has robbed the future of coherence.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • Now a union spokesperson says employees might file a complaint with a state board intended to protect public employees.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Last year, lawmakers passed a law shielding the Concord speedway and other racetracks from noise and other nuisance complaints.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • So, not a whole lot of epic gunfights for this Western, a rarity in the genre, but there’s a reason the property has stood the test of time.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Unlike Russell, whose legacy has been beautifully maintained in books, films, and re-releases, Hall’s solo work has only been available as a series of rarities and independent releases.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 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
  • Falat said that patients suffering from heat stroke have a core body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius — more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit — or higher, and are showing signs neurological abnormalities like confusion or unresponsiveness.
    — Danielle J. Brown, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Both teams found that the precision of the technique reduced the likelihood of unintended chromosomal abnormalities.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exception

Nglish: Translation of exception for Spanish Speakers

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