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.
Yet the company excluded the majority of those harms from its public reports, designing its metrics so that many of the worst encounters were never captured. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Additionally, as a large-group plan, an AHP could contain costs by either excluding or limiting certain coverage areas that are required in small-group and individual coverage under the ACA. — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 In 2023, youngsters between the ages of 9 and 12 averaged six hours a day excluding school. — Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 These costs are excluding the adoption fees, microchipping and start up costs that come with bringing home a pet. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 Aug. 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

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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 1 Sep. 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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