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

Fortunately, comfort and style are no longer mutually exclusive. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026

Assuming Innovation And Stability Go Hand In Hand The greatest risk is assuming innovation and stability are mutually exclusive. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

There’s tenderness in the story’s example that masculinity and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026

Initiatives like the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) system and the OECD’s Data Free Flows with Trust (pioneered by Japan) also demonstrate that trusted data mobility and robust privacy protections aren’t mutually exclusive. — Leonard Lim, Fortune, 10 June 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