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

That figure represents a 4%+ increase over 2024 and excludes long-term care costs entirely. —Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026

Costco’s ancillary and other businesses — like pharmacy, food courts, and travel — added 19 basis points of improvement on a reported basis, and 17 basis points excluding gas. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

During their sophomore year of high school, Shelia and Rachel had grown closer, leaving Skylar feeling excluded. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 6 Mar. 2026

This excludes those who are exempt from fasting or not observing the holiday. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 5 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)