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

The March 24 debate will feature six candidates but exclude every Democrat of color. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026

This category includes consumer spending and private investment, but excludes volatile items like exports, inventories and government spending. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

That finalist list included Porter, but notably excluded current interim CEO King — who, at the time, applied but was not selected, board members told the Tribune. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

Alejandro Ríos, a cultural analyst and writer based in Miami, said that by excluding the Cuban people from the negotiations, the government continues a long-standing strategy of keeping the public uninformed. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 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)