exclusion

noun

ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
Synonyms of exclusionnext
1
: the act or an instance of excluding
2
: the state of being excluded
exclusionary
ik-ˈsklü-zhə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
adjective

Examples of exclusion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The parents of the other students are keen to press for the exclusion of Andy. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 The failure of Palombella Rossa, about a communist politician and water polo player, to make it into competition created a stir at the time amid suggestions the exclusion was politically motivated. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026 Rather than assuming one is more affordable or comprehensive than the other, compare the specific coverages, exclusions, deductibles, premiums and repair-shop requirements between any two plans. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026 Key Points Dancing With the Stars’ Gleb Savchenko spoke out following his exclusion from season 35. — Debbie Day, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exclusion

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin exclusion-, exclusio, from excludere

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclusion was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing exclusion

Rhymes for exclusion

See All Rhymes for exclusion

Browse Nearby Words

exclusible
exclusion
exclusionary
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exclusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclusion. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

exclusion

noun
ex·​clu·​sion iks-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
: surgical separation of part of an organ from the rest without excision
exclude
iks-ˈklüd How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
transitive verb
excluded; excluding

Legal Definition

exclusion

noun
ex·​clu·​sion ik-ˈsklü-zhən How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
1
: the act of excluding or state of being excluded
specifically : refusal of entry into the U.S. by immigration officials
review of deportation and exclusion orders
compare deportation
2
: something that excludes or is excluded: as
a
: a part of an insurance contract that excludes specified risks from coverage compare condition, declaration
b
: an amount that is excluded from tax liability compare credit, deduction, exemption
exclusionary
-zhə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce exclusion (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on exclusion

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exclusion

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