loophole
Exploitable rule flaw
A loophole is a gap or ambiguity in a law, rule, or contract that allows someone to evade its intent without technically violating it: Tax loopholes let corporations pay almost nothing.
The word suggests cleverness or exploitation—finding a way around restrictions rather than through them.
Originally, a loophole was a narrow slit in a fortress wall for shooting arrows or observing enemies.
Makeshift bypass of difficulty
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- circumventAvoid by going around
- evasionAct of escaping detection
avoidance · dodge · sidestep · manipulation · maneuvering · scheme · trick · ploy
Release from requirement
- clauseProvision in agreement
- provisionPreparatory supply or clause
- statuteEnacted written rule
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
technicality · ordinance · stipulation · subsection · bylaw · amendment · addendum · caveat
Gap or start
- gapUnfilled space between
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- flawImperfection in something
- weaknessDeficiency in force
oversight · omission · deficiency · blind spot · vulnerability · chink · breach · lacuna
workaround
Makeshift bypass of difficulty
- exploitNotable act or abuse
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- circumventAvoid by going around
evasion · avoidance · dodge · sidestep · manipulation · maneuvering · scheme · trick · ploy · stratagem
exemption
Release from requirement
regulation · technicality · ordinance · stipulation · subsection · bylaw · amendment · addendum · caveat · codicil
opening
Gap or start
weakness · oversight · omission · deficiency · blind spot · vulnerability · chink · breach · lacuna · defect
embrasure
Fortified wall opening
slit · castle · fortification · battlement · turret · rampart · parapet · archer · medieval · stronghold
- Exceptionsexception, exemption, exclusion, special case, anomaly
- cyber threatsmalware, phishing, hacking, virus, ransomware
- exclusionsexclude, exclusion, excluding, except, exception
- solutionssolution, answer, fix, remedy, cure
- castleskeep, moat, drawbridge, dungeon, turret
- castle partsmoat, keep, drawbridge, battlement, tower
loopholecompliance
Adhering to requirements
adherence · conformity · obedience · observance · straight and narrow
- legal loopholeExploitable gap in law
- tax loopholesLegal avoidance provisions
- regulatory loopholesGaps allowing rule circumvention
- gun show loopholeExemption from dealer requirements