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

• clashing
• conflicting
• disagreeing
• discordant
• discrepant
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsistent
• inconsonant
• inharmonious
• repugnant

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

For instance, block and parry are mutually exclusive, meaning that one of the two must be selected via a quick-menu in-game. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 24 June 2025

China must balance competing mutually exclusive desires: regional peace to keep exports flowing, the aspirations of upstart geopolitical actors, an outward commitment to avoid military deployments, and the confidence in Beijing held by competing entities. —Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

But as Latvia’s Sudden Lights discovered in 2023, playing-it-straight indie rock and Eurovision success are usually mutually exclusive terms. —Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 13 May 2025

High-profile meetings between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine have drawn up ceasefire plans, but mutually exclusive positions have prevented a breakthrough. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025

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