preclude

verb

pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
Synonyms of preclude

transitive verb

1
: to make impossible by necessary consequence : rule out in advance
2
archaic : close
preclusion
pri-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce preclude (audio)
noun
preclusive
pri-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce preclude (audio)
-ziv
adjective
preclusively adverb

Did you know?

Preclude Uses Within and Outside Law

Preclude is often used in legal writing, where it usually refers to making something legally impossible. A new law may be passed by Congress to preclude any suits of a certain kind against a federal agency, for example. Some judges have found that the warnings on cigarette packs preclude any suits against the tobacco companies by lung-cancer sufferers. But there are plenty of nonlegal uses as well. Bad weather often precludes trips to the beach, and a lack of cash might preclude any beach vacation at all.

Synonyms of preclude

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Examples of preclude in a Sentence

I fear these things, but vaguely, for my brain buzzes in the merciful wash of endorphins that preclude any thought from occupying it too long. —Louise Erdrich, Harper's, May 1993
… the institution [of slavery] in the United States was almost uniquely despotic, a closed system so powerful and totalitarian that organized insurrection was almost entirely precluded … —William Styron, American Heritage, October 1992
But conceptual blinders can preclude observation, while most accurate generalities guarantee no proper resolution of specific anatomies, but can certainly guide perceptions along fruitful paths. —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989
… the same profusion of water that precluded overland travel in the summer months could, during the sledgehammer freeze of winter, be utilized as a natural highway—albeit a highway of ice. —Jon Krakauer, Smithsonian, November 1987
She suffered an injury that precluded the possibility of an athletic career. Bad weather precluded any further attempts to reach the summit.
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.
Among them, Carter found that the request violates federal law precluding altering of election rules on the eve of an election. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 For Russia, the loss of refining capacity has been manageable thus far, but that does not preclude larger problems ahead. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 Frankly, anybody whose mother spoke about a daughter in that way would normally lead to the daughter being precluded from serving in Office, let alone the Office of Governor. — Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preclude

Word History

Etymology

Latin praecludere, from prae- + claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preclude was circa 1513

Rhymes for preclude

See All Rhymes for preclude

Browse Nearby Words

precludable
preclude
preclusion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preclude. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preclude

verb
pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
: to make impossible beforehand : prevent
the injury precluded the possibility of a career in sports

Legal Definition

preclude

transitive verb
pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
: to prevent or exclude by necessary consequence: as
a
: to prevent (a party) from litigating an action or claim especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata
they are precluded only because they failed to assert…the grounds for recovery they now assert—Roach v. Teamsters Local Union No. 688, 595 F.2d 446 (1979)
b
: to prevent (a claim or action) from being litigated especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata
the Civil Service Reform Act provides the exclusive address for adverse federal employment actions and thus precludes claims brought under the Tort Claims Act—National Law Journal
preclusion
-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce preclude (audio)
noun
preclusive
-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce preclude (audio)
adjective
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