exclude

verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd How to pronounce exclude (audio)
excluded; excluding
Synonyms of exclude

transitive verb

1
a
: to prevent or restrict the entrance of
b
: to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion
2
: to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied
excluder noun

Synonyms of exclude

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Examples of exclude in a Sentence

You can share files with some people on the network while excluding others. The prices on the menu exclude tax.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Real property, pensions and retirement accounts would be excluded. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Personal auto policies often limit or exclude business use, which can leave you exposed after an accident on a job run. — Matthew Kayser, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Codex conversations and local Work conversations are also excluded, and the feature isn’t available on ChatGPT for Healthcare. — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 The final policy excludes therapeutic procedures targeting nerves such as the pudendal nerve and ganglion impar, interventions used for some forms of severe pelvic pain. — Antje M. Barreveld, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin excludere, from ex- + claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclude was in the 14th century

Rhymes for exclude

See All Rhymes for exclude

Browse Nearby Words

excludable
exclude
excluder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclude. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exclude

verb
ex·​clude iks-ˈklüd How to pronounce exclude (audio)
excluded; excluding
: to shut or keep out
excludable
-ˈklüd-ə-bəl
adjective
exclusion
-ˈklü-zhən
noun

Legal Definition

exclude

transitive verb
ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd How to pronounce exclude (audio)
excluded; excluding
1
: to prevent or restrict the entry or admission of
exclude hearsay evidence
2
: to remove from participation, consideration, or inclusion (as in insurance coverage)
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