Meaning & use

exempt

verb·Academic

To officially free someone or something from an obligation, duty, or rule that otherwise applies.

See it in a sentence

Nonprofit organizations are often exempted from paying certain local property taxes.

The doctor's note exempted him from taking part in the physical exam.

A note on using this word

Exempt can function as a verb (to exempt someone) or as an adjective (someone is exempt from something); the adjective never takes -ed.

Words with a similar meaning

excuserelease

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

requireobligate

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Free from an obligation, duty, or rule that applies to others.

Income below a certain threshold is exempt from federal tax.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “exempt”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.