mutually exclusive

adjective

: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other

mutually exclusive events

also : incompatible

Their outlooks were not mutually exclusive.

Synonyms of mutually exclusive

• inconsistent
• conflicting

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

The threat is still there, suffused into the air like a memory, but for a time the choice between love and survival no longer feels mutually exclusive to Nino and Yasmina. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Government accountability and fiscal responsibility are not mutually exclusive. — Chris Vincent, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026

Progress and persistent disadvantage are not mutually exclusive. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Though The Next Pro hasn’t yet taken viewers out into the open wilds of Australia, Irwin doesn’t see his duties at DWTS and the Australia Zoo as mutually exclusive. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mutually exclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• inclusive
• intrusive