exclude

verb ex·clude \ ik-ˈsklüd \

Updated on: 8 Dec 2017

Definition of exclude

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

See exclude defined for English-language learners

See exclude defined for kids

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 of exclude from the Web

Ursidae, excluding the giant panda, are also the only mammals with significant amounts of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Bears," 10 Nov. 2017
Only at Nashiri’s trial could the public get to see Darbi’s taped testimony, likely after lawyers for Nashiri argue to exclude the testimony because a death-penalty defender did not get to question him.

— carol rosenberg, miamiherald, "Federal judge blocks military judge from having U.S. marshals seize defense attorney," 4 Nov. 2017
Smith is a devout Christian but said she was turned off by Moore using his faith as a way to exclude others.

— anna claire vollers, AL.com, "#GOP4Jones links Republicans breaking ranks over Roy Moore," 2 Nov. 2017
These circumstances provide additional support for Plaintiffs’ claim that the decision to exclude transgender individuals was not driven by genuine concerns regarding military efficacy.

— garrett epps, The Atlantic, "Trump's Tweets Take Down His Military Ban on Trans People," 1 Nov. 2017
The group discussed the possibility of amending the language to exclude Columbus in later years.

— christine clarridge, The Seattle Times, "Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day? Edmonds strikes European explorer from resolution," 21 Sep. 2017
Maybe that's part of how according to Politico, Democrats didn't even have to ask Trump to exclude The Wall from this week's discussions.

— jack holmes, Esquire, "Trump May Be Cutting Deals with Democrats Because He Finds Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell Boring," 15 Sep. 2017
After the article ran, Facebook built a system to stop allowing advertisers to exclude by race.

— vanityfair.com, "Facebook Let Its Advertisers Target “Jew Haters”," 14 Sep. 2017
Get 50% off site-wide (excluding sale) using code AMERICANGIRL.

— sally kaplan, Redbook, "Here Are the Very Best Labor Day Sales You Don't Want to Miss," 1 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exclude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of exclude

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

exclude Synonyms

Synonyms

ban, bar, close out, count (out), debar, eliminate, except, freeze out, rule out, shut out, close one's doors to

Antonyms

admit, include

Related Words

blackball, blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; banish, deport, exile, expel, oust, throw out; obviate, preclude, prevent, prohibit; block, hinder, impede, obstruct; cease, discontinue, halt, suspend; deter, stave off, ward (off); check off, disregard; comb (out), weed (out)

Near Antonyms

accept, embrace, entertain, receive, take in, welcome; unban

EXCLUDE Defined for English Language Learners

exclude

verb

Definition of exclude for English Language Learners

: to prevent (someone) from doing something or being a part of a group
: to leave out (something) : to not include (something)
: to think that (something, such as a possibility) is not worth attention

EXCLUDE Defined for Kids

exclude

verb ex·clude \ ik-ˈsklüd \

Definition of exclude for Students

excluded; excluding

: to shut out : keep out

Don't exclude your little sister from the game.

Word Root of exclude

The Latin word claudere, meaning “to close” or “to shut,” gives us the root clud. To exclude is to shut another out of a group. To include is to shut someone into a group. To conclude, or bring something, such as a speech, to an end, is to close it.