exclude

verb ex·clude \ ik-ˈsklüd \

Definition of exclude

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

See exclude defined for English-language learners

See exclude defined for kids

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 of exclude from the Web

The ministry alleges that it was excluded from the Amazon Smile program, which allows customers to donate to the charity of their choice when making a purchase.

— greg garrison, AL.com, "Ministry files lawsuit against Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling it a hate group," 23 Aug. 2017
In the United States, stadiums of 31 of 32 NFL teams (Buffalo's New Era Field was excluded) are on the list of venues.

— danielle lerner, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville, Lexington passed over for 2026 World Cup bid; Might international soccer be in play?," 18 Aug. 2017
Excluding the transportation sector that includes aircraft, factory orders slipped 0.2 percent in June.

— josh boak, The Seattle Times, "US factory orders rose in June as demand for aircraft soared," 3 Aug. 2017
U.S. and Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) can enter here from now until 11:59 p.m. EST on August 10, 2017.

— lyndsey matthews, House Beautiful, "You Could Win a Trip to Oregon to See the Total Solar Eclipse," 1 Aug. 2017
But the rules excluded claims for injuries that occurred abroad.

— The Economist, "Holiday cons“Puke for payout”, the scam making holiday firms sick," 20 July 2017
The Trump administration interpreted the Supreme Court’s decision as excluding most refugees and entry only of American residents’ parents, children, spouses, parents-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, people engaged to be married and siblings.

— adam liptak, New York Times, "Trump Refugee Restrictions Allowed for Now; Ban on Grandparents Is Rejected," 19 July 2017
According to the UN’s latest World Drugs Report, in 2015 the Saudi authorities seized more than 11 tonnes of ATS, excluding Ecstasy.

— The Economist, "Captured by CaptagonA new drug of choice in the Gulf," 18 July 2017
Misuari’s group, whose siege of Zamboanga City in 2013 led to the deaths of at least 203 people, was excluded from peace talks under then-President Benigno Aquino.

— andreo calonzo, Bloomberg.com, "Duterte Seeks Reboot of Mindanao Peace Push Amid Marawi Standoff," 17 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exclude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of exclude

Middle English, from Latin excludere, from ex- + claudere to close — more at close

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

exclude Synonyms

Synonyms

ban, bar, close out, count (out), debar, eliminate, except, freeze out, rule out, shut out, close one's doors to

Antonyms

admit, include

Related Words

blackball, blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out; obviate, preclude, prevent, prohibit; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; cease, discontinue, halt, suspend; deter, stave off, ward (off); check off, disregard; comb (out), weed (out)

Near Antonyms

accept, embrace, entertain, receive, take in, welcome; unban

EXCLUDE Defined for English Language Learners

exclude

verb

Definition of exclude for English Language Learners

: to prevent (someone) from doing something or being a part of a group
: to leave out (something) : to not include (something)
: to think that (something, such as a possibility) is not worth attention

EXCLUDE Defined for Kids

exclude

verb ex·clude \ ik-ˈsklüd \

Definition of exclude for Students

excluded; excluding

:to shut out :keep out

Don't exclude your little sister from the game.

Word Root of exclude

The Latin word claudere, meaning “to close” or “to shut,” gives us the root clud. To exclude is to shut another out of a group. To include is to shut someone into a group. To conclude, or bring something, such as a speech, to an end, is to close it.