exclude

verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd 

excluded; excluding

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

• ban
• bar
• close out
• count (out)
• debar
• eliminate
• except
• freeze out
• rule out
• shut out

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

Individual foreigners could be excluded by law for specific reasons . . . —Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 11 June 2024

Race, now recognized as a social not biological construct, was excluded in the newer equations. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 10 June 2024

Lilly excluded patients that had no or very low tau because the study wouldn’t follow the patients long enough to see if the drug made a difference. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 10 June 2024

While both course models focus on four areas — Black studies, Asian American and Pacific Islander studies, Chicanx/Latinx studies and Native American studies — Liberated’s material largely excludes the histories of ethnic groups who may be considered White. —Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

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

Kids Definition

exclude

verb

ex·​clude iks-ˈklüd 

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 

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)