exclude

verb

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

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

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.
Their total of 20 league goals conceded from set pieces (excluding penalties) across the season was their highest figure of the Premier League era. James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026 The Cruz-Cantwell bill contemplates limiting college sports eligibility to five years and excluding former pros, including those who played abroad. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 May 2026 Instead, domestic terrorism laws allow for targeting and surveillance of extremists, with charges sometimes bearing terrorism enhancements and sometimes excluding them altogether. Daniel Boguslaw, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2026 The first $100,000 in an ABLE account is generally excluded from the $2,000 resource limit to receive SSI benefits, unlike funds in a 401(k) or IRA. Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 27 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclude. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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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