mutually exclusive

adjective

: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other
mutually exclusive events
also : incompatible
their outlooks were not mutually exclusive

Examples of mutually exclusive in a Sentence

the two plans are mutually exclusive; implementing one will automatically rule out the other
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.
Trump allies say there are multiple reasons to use tariffs, and maximizing leverage and raising revenue are not mutually exclusive. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 Netflix has shown, however, that the two are not always mutually exclusive. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 Well, that the two things are not mutually exclusive. Samanta Schweblin, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2025 Intersex and transgender changemakers such as Delia Sosa, incoming director of the Medical Student Pride Alliance, and AC Goldberg, assistant professor at Northeastern University, show how these identities aren’t always mutually exclusive. Alicia Roth Weigel, TIME, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mutually exclusive 

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutually exclusive was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near mutually exclusive

Cite this Entry

“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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