exclude

verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd How to pronounce exclude (audio)
excluded; excluding
Synonyms of excludenext

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, on the earnings call, the management team simply reiterated its guidance for fiscal 2030 next-generation security annual recurring revenue (NGS ARR) — a collection of businesses focused on subscriptions for its cloud-native services, and excluding hardware and legacy products. Zev Fima, CNBC, 3 June 2026 According to the government, the other minor was excluded as a contributor. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 While many editors are optimistic that writers would understand the existing anti-plagiarism language in their contracts to already exclude the use of AI, others are actively building in more explicit protections against LLMs or thinking about doing so. Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 3 June 2026 IndieWire’s criteria for inclusion on the Specialized Chart looks at independent and mini-major distributors with films that at their widest release at any point are below 500 screens, excluding event cinema, re-releases, and major Bollywood or Chinese North American releases. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclude

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclude was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclude. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

exclude

verb
ex·​clude iks-ˈklüd How to pronounce exclude (audio)
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 How to pronounce exclude (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on exclude

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster