exemption

noun

ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
Synonyms of exemption
1
: the act of exempting or state of being exempt : immunity
2
: one that exempts or is exempted
especially : a source or amount of income exempted from taxation

Synonyms of exemption

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Examples of exemption in a Sentence

They were granted exemptions from military service. You can claim a tax exemption for each of your dependents.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the city still carved out exemptions, including for fire protection and growing food. — Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 But even the most self-evident rules grew inconvenient, and in these cases the women knew how to make exemptions for themselves. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The bonds will also include a sales tax exemption on certain construction materials to help lower some of the project’s costs on developers. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 Repeal sales tax exemptions and other outdated or unnecessary incentives for data centers. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemption

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemption was in the 14th century

Rhymes for exemption

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Browse Nearby Words

exempt carrier
exemption
exemptive
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exemption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemption. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exemption

noun
ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzem(p)-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
1
: the act of exempting : the state of being exempt
2
: something that is exempted

Legal Definition

exemption

noun
ex·​emp·​tion ig-ˈzemp-shən How to pronounce exemption (audio)
1
: the act of exempting or state of being exempt
2
: one that exempts or is exempted: as
a
: an amount of income exempted from taxation that may be deducted from adjusted gross income under the tax laws see also Internal Revenue Code compare deduction, exclusion, tax credit
— dependency exemption \ də-​ˈpen-​dən-​sē-​ \
: an exemption that is allowed for each dependent who qualifies under the tax laws (as sections 151 and 152 of the Internal Revenue Code)

Note: Under the federal income tax laws, the dependency exemption is allowed for each dependent whose gross income is less than the exemption or who is a child of the taxpayer and is under 19 or a student under 24.

— personal exemption
: an exemption that is allowed for the taxpayer or for the taxpayer and spouse if filing a joint return
b
: the right created by federal and state laws to exempt specified types of property from a bankruptcy estate
precludes the debtor from using the exemptions in the Bankruptcy Code
also : a type of property that may be claimed as exempt see also Bankruptcy Code
c
: homestead exemption

More from Merriam-Webster on exemption

Nglish: Translation of exemption for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exemption

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