as in inconsistent
not being in agreement or harmony
the two plans are mutually exclusive; implementing one will automatically rule out the other
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Recent Examples of mutually exclusive
Progress and preservation are not mutually exclusive.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
In the best kitchens, style and function are not mutually exclusive, but seamlessly intertwined.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Her tenure in Congress has proven bold ideas and common ground aren't mutually exclusive.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 20 Feb. 2026
What’s happening with ICE, what’s happening in Minnesota, across the country, in the Middle East — things are not mutually exclusive.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026
In the best kitchens, style and function are not mutually exclusive, but seamlessly intertwined.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026
Her tenure in Congress has proven bold ideas and common ground aren't mutually exclusive.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 20 Feb. 2026
What’s happening with ICE, what’s happening in Minnesota, across the country, in the Middle East — things are not mutually exclusive.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutually exclusive
Adjective
-
For the first half on Friday night, Angel City Football Club was turning in one of those inconsistent performances that Coach Alex Straus expected would happen this season with a young team.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
As is often the case for 23-year-olds pushed into large roles, Podziemski has been inconsistent.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But among those who are slated to speak are big names in the MAGA movement who have voiced conflicting views on the Iran war.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
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The quarterly rollover—which wipes out close to 40% of open positions on the dominant Deribit exchange—comes amid conflicting signals on the prospect of a halt to the nearly month-long war in the Middle East.—
Sidhartha Shukla,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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