mutually exclusive

adjective

: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other

mutually exclusive events

also : incompatible

Their outlooks were not mutually exclusive.

Synonyms of mutually exclusive

• inconsistent
• conflicting

Examples of mutually exclusive in a Sentence

the two plans are mutually exclusive; implementing one will automatically rule out the other

Recent Examples on the Web

The data-center backlash and the cascade explanation are not mutually exclusive. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

Efficiency and experience should be treated as separate entities, not as mutually exclusive. — Natalie Ruiz, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

Housing, lakefront protection and quality of life are not mutually exclusive. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

Despite the latest diplomatic push, the core demands of Moscow and Kyiv remain mutually exclusive, especially over territorial concessions, underscoring the difficulty of reaching an agreement. — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mutually exclusive

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