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
The two are not mutually exclusive.
—
Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
As women stepped into the spotlight to share their stories as well as their frustration that somehow motherhood and peak athletic success were mutually exclusive, action followed.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Inexpensive and clean aren't mutually exclusive.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
These shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.
—Geoff Watkinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive
Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
As women stepped into the spotlight to share their stories as well as their frustration that somehow motherhood and peak athletic success were mutually exclusive, action followed.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Inexpensive and clean aren't mutually exclusive.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
These shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.
—Geoff Watkinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mutually exclusive
Adjective
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But the Texans don’t have much incentive to trade Mills after Stroud’s inconsistent play during the playoffs (passing for 462 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions over two games).—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
-
May Improve Attention Some studies have found metabolic and cognitive benefits to walking in the morning, but research is inconsistent on whether this is unique to time of day.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But it’s evolved into an even better production, one that manages to be simultaneously outrageous and moving, carrying its conflicting emotional extremes with grace and nuance.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
25 Feb. 2026
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Especially fascinating is the film’s conflicting commentary, from McCartney and members of the various iterations of Wings, about his attempts to create an egalitarian experience rather than a star-plus-backup-band situation.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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