exception
7 synonyms and 1 antonym for exception, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
special case
elision
Antonyms
How to use exception
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
make an exception
with the exception of
take exception to
throw an exception
Etymology
From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except."
Full origin of exception →Frequently asked questions
What does “exception” mean?
The word “exception” means someone or something left out of a general rule or statement. In plain terms, a case that doesn't follow the usual rule, or a formal objection.
How do you pronounce “exception”?
“Exception” is pronounced uhk-SEHP-shuhn (/əkˈsɛpʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “exception” in a sentence?
Here is “exception” used in a sentence: “Most of the class passed; she was the exception.”
What part of speech is “exception”?
“Exception” is a noun.
Where does the word “exception” come from?
The word “exception” comes from Latin. From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except.".
Is “exception” a common word?
“Exception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “exception” have?
“Exception” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.
What is the difference between an exception and an exemption?
An exception is a person or thing left out of a general rule. An exemption is a formally granted freedom from a rule, duty, or payment, such as a tax exemption, which is usually deliberate and official.
What is the difference between an exception and an anomaly?
An exception is something deliberately left out of a stated rule. An anomaly is something that simply differs from the usual pattern, often unexpectedly and without any rule being made for it.
