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 unit's operating profit rose 8%, but excluding $51 million of net gains in the prior-year quarter, underlying profit growth was a much stronger 23%. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2026

On some campuses, this has led Jewish students who identify as Zionists to feel vilified or excluded. — Eyal Press, New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2026

According to the California Department of Insurance, standard homeowner’s and commercial insurance policies exclude flood damage. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2026

One participant, a 14-year-old science fiction lover, wasn’t allowed to have a cellphone until seventh grade — later than most American kids — and felt routinely excluded from conversations because of it. — Isabella Cueto, STAT, 13 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)