Synonyms

escape clause

American

noun

a provision in a contract that enables a party to terminate contractual obligations in specified circumstances.

escape clause British

noun

a clause in a contract freeing one of the parties from his obligations in certain circumstances

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of escape clause

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Through the Maastricht escape clause, countries can increase defense spending by up to 1.5% of GDP per year, amounting to as much as €500 billion in aggregate.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

It did have an escape clause that allowed the US to nix the deal if Afghan peace talks failed.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

It had an escape clause: The U.S. could have withdrawn from the accord if Afghan peace talks failed.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2021

Kravtsov started the season at their minor-league affiliate in Hartford, then used an escape clause in his contract to return home to Russia to play on loan in the Kontinental Hockey League.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 2019

But Howard added an escape clause: Pollard would ride only if he was fit to do so.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023