exclude

verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd 

excluded; excluding

transitive verb

1

a

: to prevent or restrict the entrance of

b

: to bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion

2

: to expel or bar especially from a place or position previously occupied

excluder noun

Synonyms of exclude

• eliminate
• ban
• prohibit
• prevent
• bar

Examples of exclude in a Sentence

You can share files with some people on the network while excluding others.

The prices on the menu exclude tax.

Recent Examples on the Web

Within mathematics, a better marketing campaign would probably look like a coherent theory, the kind Nelson sought — a set of formal rules, like those underlying modern math, that excludes infinity but is powerful enough to do useful mathematics. —Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

FilmNation Entertainment has acquired worldwide rights, excluding German-speaking territories and Poland, to the film. —Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

To ensure the fairness and credibility of our readers’ poll, any votes originating from the same IP address that exceed 20 submissions will be excluded from the final tally. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 29 Apr. 2026

So talk to people, share your passion, and don’t exclude anyone from the conversation. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin excludere, from ex- + claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for exclude

• accrued
• allude
• collude
• conclude
• construed
• debuted
• delude
• elude
• endued
• ensued
• eschewed
• etude

Kids Definition

exclude

verb

ex·​clude iks-ˈklüd 

excluded; excluding

: to shut or keep out

excludable

-ˈklüd-ə-bəl

adjective

exclusion

-ˈklü-zhən

noun

Legal Definition

exclude

transitive verb

ex·​clude ik-ˈsklüd 

excluded; excluding

1

: to prevent or restrict the entry or admission of

exclude hearsay evidence

2

: to remove from participation, consideration, or inclusion (as in insurance coverage)