excepted

American

[ik-sep-tid] / ɪkˈsɛp tɪd /

adjective

excluded from or left out of a particular category.

Any foundation of this kind is an excepted charity—unlike the others, it doesn't have to register with the government.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of except.

idioms

present company excepted, (a qualifying remark to indicate that a negative comment or description does not apply to those being spoken to).

The human race as a whole does not display too many signs of intelligence—present company excepted, of course.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of excepted

First recorded in 1560–70, for an earlier sense; except ² ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective; except ² ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb

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.

In a statement, he said, “The Office of the Governor rigorously complies with the Texas Public Information Act and will release any responsive information that is determined to not be confidential or excepted from disclosure.”

From Salon • Jul. 14, 2025

“The legislature’s decision to redefine an exception,” the court explained, “does not necessarily mean that the framers of our Constitution intended to enshrine the excepted conduct as a fundamental right.”

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2024

Westminster also has control over issues which affect the UK as a whole, known as reserved or excepted matters.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2024

Feb. 19: Spring training begins and players exude excitement, part-time Angels employee Anthony Rendon excepted.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2024

During the intervening period I had no time to nurse chimeras; and I believe I was as active and gay as anybody—Adèle excepted.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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