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 of exclude

• eliminate
• ban
• prohibit
• prevent
• bar

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

These were places women built to make their social lives and organizing possible outside institutions that routinely excluded them. — Tara Knight, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

The researchers estimate the robot's hardware costs about $400, excluding the phone. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Notably, researchers excluded people receiving insulin treatment and those with certain medical complications, including cardiovascular disease and significant kidney disease. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2026

That excludes money funneled through nonprofits that conceal their donors. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

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

Rhymes for exclude

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• elude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude

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)