exceptionnoun [ C or U ]
uk/ɪkˈsep.ʃən/us/ɪkˈsep.ʃən/B2 someone or something that is not included in a rule, group, or list or that does not behave in the expected way:
Men are usually quite good at map-reading but Tim is the exception.
There are exceptions to every rule.
I like all kinds of movies with the exception of (= but not) horror movies.
Her books are always entertaining and this one is no exception.
You must report here every Tuesday without exception.
make an exception
C1 to not treat someone or something according to the usual rules:
We don't usually accept late applications, but in this case we will make an exception.
take exception to sth/sb
C2 to be offended or made angry by something or someone:
Why did you take exception to what he said? He was only joking.
More examples
- I wouldn't normally agree but I'll make an exception in this case.
- People must observe the law. Nobody should be an exception.
- With the exception of Jonathan Edwards, Britain had no likely medal winners in track and field.
- The manager only bends the rules as an absolute exception.
- A man who stays at home to look after the children is an exception, even today.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Different and difference
- a breath of fresh air idiom
- a whole new ballgame idiom
- a world of difference idiom
- alternative
- another
- clash
- contrary
- differential
- distinction
- distinctive
- distorted
- diverge
- divergence
- divide
- permutation
- refreshing
- several
- step
- sundry
- tangential
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Exceptional qualities, things and people
Excluding
Making people sad, shocked and upset
Idiom(s)
the exception that proves the rule