mutually exclusive

adjective

Synonyms of mutually exclusivenext
: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other
mutually exclusive events
also : incompatible
Their outlooks were not mutually exclusive.

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
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.
Proving that comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive, the Wilfred Goodlux Bloomsbury Dress is made from a stretchy and relaxed jersey material that can be dressed up or down throughout your next trip (and would look excellent with a pair of tomato red sneakers for a casual day of sightseeing). Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026 Academic excellence, research, public service, and state-of-the-art healthcare are not mutually exclusive disciplines. Radenka Maric, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2026 Public safety and civil liberties are not mutually exclusive ideas. Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026 Thanks to software innovation, control and speed are no longer mutually exclusive. Dave McCann, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutually exclusive was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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