loophole
1 of 2noun
loop·hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl 
plural loopholes
1
: a means of escape
especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded
2
a
: a small opening through which small arms may be fired
b
: a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation
loophole
2 of 2verb
loopholed; loopholing; loopholes
transitive verb
: to make loopholes in
Example Sentences
Noun She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law. His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal. tried to close a loophole in the new legislation
Recent Examples on the Web
Lelah Byron And Aimee Galaszewski, Journal Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 The legislation only partially closes the loophole because dating partners subject to a domestic violence restraining order, as in Thomas' case, are still able to buy and maintain access to firearms. Farnoush Amiri, ajc, 2 Sep. 2022 Authorities have moved to prevent such transactions in Germany, and closed the tax loophole in 2012. Patricia Kowsmann, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 The legislation only partially closes the loophole because dating partners subject to a domestic violence restraining order, as in Thomas’ case, are still able to buy and maintain access to firearms. Farnoush Amiri, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Anti-gun violence advocates say their court defeat in Nevada underlines the weakness of a state-by-state approach to closing the ghost gun loophole. Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 24 Aug. 2022 But, this year, city leaders looked to address the gifting loophole, as the shops operate mostly unregulated and take business from medical dispensaries. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 The committee, led by Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden, focused on the loophole after investigating Robert Brockman, the billionaire software developer indicted in the largest tax-evasion case against an individual in US history. Neil Weinberg And David Voreacos, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Aug. 2022 Rather than fully close the egregious loophole, the previous version of the Inflation Reduction Act would have simply increased the required three-year holding period to five years. Morris Pearl, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2022 See More
Noun
Even with the loophole, the shortage of qualified teachers remains. Lelah Byron And Aimee Galaszewski, Journal Sentinel, 8 Sep. 2022 The legislation only partially closes the loophole because dating partners subject to a domestic violence restraining order, as in Thomas' case, are still able to buy and maintain access to firearms. Farnoush Amiri, ajc, 2 Sep. 2022 Authorities have moved to prevent such transactions in Germany, and closed the tax loophole in 2012. Patricia Kowsmann, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 The legislation only partially closes the loophole because dating partners subject to a domestic violence restraining order, as in Thomas’ case, are still able to buy and maintain access to firearms. Farnoush Amiri, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Anti-gun violence advocates say their court defeat in Nevada underlines the weakness of a state-by-state approach to closing the ghost gun loophole. Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 24 Aug. 2022 But, this year, city leaders looked to address the gifting loophole, as the shops operate mostly unregulated and take business from medical dispensaries. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 26 Aug. 2022 The committee, led by Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden, focused on the loophole after investigating Robert Brockman, the billionaire software developer indicted in the largest tax-evasion case against an individual in US history. Neil Weinberg And David Voreacos, BostonGlobe.com, 24 Aug. 2022 Rather than fully close the egregious loophole, the previous version of the Inflation Reduction Act would have simply increased the required three-year holding period to five years. Morris Pearl, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
loop entry 3
First Known Use
Noun
1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2a
Verb
1664, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
loophole
noun
loop·hole ˈlüp-ˌhōl
: a way of avoiding something
a loophole in the law
loopholes
noun
as in crevices
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- crevices
- fissures
- slits
- rifts
- crannies
- breaches
- chinks
- openings
- slashes
- clefts
- cracks
- potholes
- tears
- gashes
- holes
- apertures
- cuts
- ruptures
- notches
- wormholes
- rents
- pores
- splits
- breaks
- orifices
- keyholes
- peepholes
- vents
- knotholes
- perforations
- airholes
- spaces
- outlets
- mouths
- pinholes
- buttonholes
- punctures
- armholes
- exits
- entrances
- inlets
- punches
- slots
- intakes
- pinpricks
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- seals
- barriers
- obstacles
- patches
- fillers
- plugs
- obstructions
- fillings
- stoppers
- fills
- blockages