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

One other key factor fueling the optimism around network shows is that in the past few years, media giants have recognized that broadcast and streaming can be complementary rather than mutually exclusive. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The first is a probability-like measure that adds consistently across mutually exclusive events. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

Standing with the Palestinian people and standing against Hamas, antisemitism and hate should not be mutually exclusive. — Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

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