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 Rahma has even seen plenty of exceptions to the conventions around how frequently a YouTube channel has to publish a video or how long a clip needs to be to find an audience. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026 Each set of three bases in the DNA corresponds to a specific amino acid (with three exceptions, each of which signals the end of the protein). — ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026 For decades, with a few exceptions, alternates only made the event if an initial selection was injured or, after the game was moved to the week before the Super Bowl, a player was preparing to play in the title game. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 One exception is the Department of the Army, headed by a civilian appointee, which agreed with getting rid of CHMR entirely. — Megan Rose, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 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
  • Nobody had raised objections, not because everyone agreed, but because nobody had been invited to express a different point of view.
    — Chiara Alzati, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Badger needed 17 yes votes from the County Board members to proceed because Homer Glen filed a legal objection to the plan.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • The sound of the band is an anomaly, even within the obscure parameters of underground Latin.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The oversize dive and pilot’s watches of the 1990s and early 2000s were an anomaly, and recent years have seen a return to more sensible proportions.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of anomaly
Noun
  • Grannell has made other threats this year, beginning five months ago, according to the account of an FBI special agent that is described in a criminal complaint.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The first ethics complaint was filed last Friday by an employee of the City Attorney's Office who also asked to remain anonymous.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Moritz Grossmann, which expects to produce only about 400 watches this year, is happy to remain a rarity seeker's brand.
    — Roberta Naas, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The arrangement between the Sheriff’s Office and fire-rescue is a rarity.
    — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of rarity
Noun
  • Ask a clarifying question, keep your response simple, and save the deeper processing for a space that actually feels safe.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • That’s the question Liberians are asking themselves after the first people to be deported to the West African country from the United States arrived in the capital, Monrovia.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of question
Noun
  • Scans often find abnormalities that require additional imaging or testing.
    — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Wilkinson’s four-seam fastball barely touches 90 mph, an abnormality in the age of velocity.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 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 28 Aug. 2026.

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