mutually exclusive

adjective

Definition of mutually exclusivenext
as in inconsistent
not being in agreement or harmony the two plans are mutually exclusive; implementing one will automatically rule out the other

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of mutually exclusive 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 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 See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutually exclusive
  1. inconsistent
  2. conflicting
Adjective
  • Even the actors’ bodies exhibit the bland greige produced by the high dynamic range of digital cameras and are flattened by the inconsistent lighting that comes from overuse of green screens.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • In Finance​ Give agentic AI fragmented data, inconsistent processes or unclear ownership, and those weaknesses become part of how the technology operates.
    — Ari Widlansky, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of inconsistent
Adjective
  • Students are transferring three and four times, pros are trying to play ball against college kids, conflicting court decisions have created a fragmented system, one that no one intended.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Technology that creates extra steps, produces conflicting information or is difficult to use can become an obstacle rather than a solution.
    — Natalie Lemke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of conflicting

Browse Nearby Words

mutually
mutually exclusive
muumuu
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Cite this Entry

“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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