inclusive

adjective

in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

a

: broad in orientation or scope

The traditional system groups organisms … and places them in a hierarchy of ever more inclusive categories …

—Elizabeth Pennisi

He wanted more inclusive histories that told the lives of all humankind, not just an elite few.

—Brook Thomas

b

: covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services

Le Sport features inclusive packages with a single rate covering spa treatments, accommodations, all meals, drinks, water sports, and tennis.

—Ian Keown

see also all-inclusive

2

: including everyone

especially : including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)

a diverse and inclusive workplace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new push for accessibility has galvanized a disability rights movement in a country with a notably poor record on inclusive infrastructure.

—Rama Lakshmi

Research from the Center for Talent Innovation shows that allies—people who support LGBT colleagues or work as advocates—play a decisive role in creating an inclusive community where individuals are comfortable being themselves.

—Sylvia Ann Hewlett

3

: of or relating to education in which students with disabilities are included with the general student population

Supporters of so-called "inclusive education" say that letting students with and without severe disabilities learn side-by-side helps to undo the stigma associated with special education.

—Associated Press

There are three inclusive classrooms, where kids who do not need special education services learn alongside students with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, learning delays or other disabilities. The students are taught the same curriculum, and the special education students generally receive services, such as occupational therapy, inside the classroom instead of being pulled out.

—Erin Duffy

4

: including the stated limits or extremes

—used postpositively

from Monday to Friday inclusive

I expect to be at the island and visitable there … on the following dates: May 28-31 inclusive …

—Alexander Woollcott

inclusively adverb

She waved her hand inclusively toward the various rooms.

—Theodore Dreiser

… as part of our new digital experience, we're launching an online community built expressly and inclusively for all members.

—Joseph J. Fifer

inclusiveness noun

… in the effort to achieve more fairness and inclusiveness in selecting the nominee, the reforms jettisoned many of the old underpinnings of the party.

—John C. Culver

Synonyms of inclusive

• comprehensive
• full
• panoramic

Examples of inclusive in a Sentence

a butterfly expert with an inclusive knowledge of his subject

Recent Examples on the Web

We were called in to be more inclusive, to be more compassionate, to be more attentive to the back of the house as much as the front of the house. —Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

His goal is to create an inclusive space designed for players of all skill levels, with premium courts, year-round play, and a strong focus on community. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026

The Social Connection, an inclusive hub for neurodivergent participants who have felt excluded and isolated from many community activities. —Sharon Chin, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

At the end of the night, during the bows, Butler slaps the guys playing her two antagonists gently on their butts, a gesture that would have jarred in most stagings but fully in keeping with the inclusive, humanistic vibe of this production. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Phrases Containing inclusive

• all-inclusive
• inclusive disjunction
• inclusive of
• self-inclusive

Rhymes for inclusive

• abusive
• allusive
• collusive
• conclusive
• conducive
• delusive
• diffusive
• elusive
• exclusive
• extrusive
• illusive
• intrusive

Kids Definition

inclusive

adjective

in·​clu·​sive in-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: including the stated limits and everything in between

pages 10 to 20 inclusive

2

: covering everything or all important points

an inclusive tour

an inclusive insurance policy

inclusively adverb

inclusiveness noun