exempt

1 of 3

adjective

ex·​empt ig-ˈzem(p)t How to pronounce exempt (audio)
Synonyms of exempt
1
: free or released from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
was exempt from jury duty
the estate was exempt from taxes
2
obsolete : set apart

exempt

2 of 3

verb

exempted; exempting; exempts

transitive verb

: to release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which others are subject
exempted from military service

exempt

3 of 3

noun

: one exempted or freed from duty

Examples of exempt in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
Korchinski no longer is exempt from waivers, so the Hawks needed to keep him on the roster to avoid another team potentially claiming him. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 As this type of diesel is exempt from highway fuel taxes, truckers could save more than $100 per fill-up, according to the White House. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
The pilot, called GLOBE, is not expected to have much impact because the administration exempted all but a handful of companies in return for their agreement to voluntary deals to charge Medicaid MFN prices. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 7 Oct. 2026 The order also exempts police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, utility employees and other emergency workers performing official duties. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
One additional player may be added to each draw as a special exempt. — Adam Baum, The Enquirer, 20 July 2022 The electric-car maker clashed with Fremont officials last month over whether its factory was an essential business exempt from shutdown orders. — BostonGlobe.com, 26 Apr. 2020 See All Example Sentences for exempt

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximere "to take out, remove, set free, obtain immunity for," from ex- ex- entry 1 + emere "to take, buy" — more at redeem

Verb

Middle English, as past participle exemptid, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French exempter, borrowed from Latin exemptus, past participle of eximere "to take out, remove, set free, obtain immunity for" — more at exempt entry 1

Noun

derivative of exempt entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1532, in the meaning defined above

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

Phrases Containing exempt

Rhymes for exempt

See All Rhymes for exempt

Browse Nearby Words

exemplum
exempt
exempt carrier
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exempt. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exempt

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​empt ig-ˈzem(p)t How to pronounce exempt (audio)
: free or released from some requirement that others must meet or deal with

exempt

2 of 2 verb
: to make exempt

Legal Definition

exempt

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​empt ig-ˈzempt How to pronounce exempt (audio)
: free or released from some obligation or duty to which others are subject : not subject or liable
certain properties are declared to be exempt and cannot be taken by a person's creditors—J. H. Williamson

exempt

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to release or exclude from some liability (as in taxation), obligation, or duty to which others are subject
exempts the income of a spendthrift trust—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

More from Merriam-Webster on exempt

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