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Definition of exception

exception

/ɪkˈsɛp.ʃən/
ex · cep · tion
Adverb:exceptionally
•
Plural:exceptions
•
Adjective:exceptional
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exception Lexical Profile

exception Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.

Example

"The museum is open every day of the year, with the sole exception of New Year's Day."

2

An objection, expression of disapproval, or adverse criticism, especially in the phrase 'take exception to'.

Example

"The committee took strong exception to the biased conclusions presented in the preliminary report."

3

An anomalous or unexpected condition encountered during the execution of a computer program that disrupts the normal flow of instructions.

Example

"The developer added an error handler so the application would not crash when an unhandled exception occurred."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for exception

• Nearby Words

excellently
except
excepting
exception
exceptional
exceptionalism
exceptionally

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French exception, from Latin exceptionem ('an exception, restriction, or limitation'), derived from excipere ('to take out, withdraw, or make an exception'), from ex- ('out') and capere ('to take').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exception. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exception
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