exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
Synonyms of exclusionnext
1
: the act or an instance of excluding
2
: the state of being excluded
exclusionary adjective

Examples of exclusion in a Sentence

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.
The exclusion, which dates back decades, was meant to promote home cooking. ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026 Weingart and Kim each noted that Weinstein’s trial lawyers had not objected to the exclusion of a subset of the messages, which would foreclose him from raising the issue on appeal. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 His actions have distanced himself from that fanboy narrative — his roster construction technique tending toward risk-aversion to the exclusion of sentimental attachment to the franchise home run leader. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Sanctions and exclusion from the F-35 program, triggered by the S-400 purchase, have strained ties unnecessarily while Russia benefits from the wedge. Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin exclusion-, exclusio, from excludere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclusion was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclusion. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Medical Definition

exclusion

noun
ex·​clu·​sion iks-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
: surgical separation of part of an organ from the rest without excision
exclude transitive verb
excluded; excluding

Legal Definition

exclusion

noun
ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
1
: the act of excluding or state of being excluded
specifically : refusal of entry into the U.S. by immigration officials
review of deportation and exclusion orders
compare deportation
2
: something that excludes or is excluded: as
a
: a part of an insurance contract that excludes specified risks from coverage compare condition, declaration
b
: an amount that is excluded from tax liability compare credit, deduction, exemption
exclusionary adjective

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