exemption

[ig-zemp-shuhn]

noun

1. the circumstances of a taxpayer, such as their age or number of dependents, that allow them to make certain deductions from taxable income.

2. the act of exempting.

3. the state of being exempted; immunity.

   Synonyms: exception
   Antonyms: liability

Other Word Forms

• exemptive adjective
• nonexemption noun
• preexemption noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemption¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin exemptiōn- (stem of exemptiō ) “removal.” See exempt, -ion

Synonym Study

Exemption, immunity, impunity imply special privilege or freedom from imposed requirements. Exemption implies release or privileged freedom from some duty, tax, etc.: exemption from military service. Immunity implies freedom from a penalty or from some liability, especially one that is disagreeable or threatening: immunity from disease. Impunity (limited mainly to the fixed expression with impunity ) primarily suggests freedom from punishment: The police force was so inadequate that crimes could be committed with impunity.

Example Sentences

Tariffs currently on Canada and Mexico have exemptions.

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But as the bill wound its way through the Legislature, a host of amendments, exemptions and carve-outs were added in order to secure enough votes to pass through the Assembly and Senate.

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The top 99.8% of the wealthiest families in America stand to receive many more millions of untaxed dollars because of an increase in the estate tax exemption.

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Meanwhile, after a separate five-year campaign, Boeing won an exemption for aviation oils from new chemical restrictions introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency in November.

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Barcelona obtained a special exemption to play its first three matches on the road with a planned return to Camp Nou for this Sunday’s match against Valencia.

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Related Words

• discharge 
• dispensation 
• exception 
• immunity 
• privilege