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 inquest testimony about Lizzie’s attempt to purchase prussic acid was also excluded, dealing another major blow to the prosecution. — Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Arguably, who has been excluded from the ballot says more than the candidates who are allowed to participate. — Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

An inflation report last week showed core prices, which exclude food and energy, accelerated a bit in August. — Democrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026

Harris and Wright would sell their labor services to the buyers, NFL teams, but the teams have agreed to exclude them and an entire class of similarly situated players. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Sep. 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)