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 dependency rules and the home sale exclusion are separate provisions of the tax code, and being claimed on someone else’s return does not, on its own, disqualify a homeowner from excluding gain on the sale of a principal residence. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 Others, however, have chosen to attack Spain and to call for its temporary exclusion from the Schengen Area. — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The term hijra has long carried social stigma, and transgender Indians face high levels of discrimination, family rejection, and economic exclusion. — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 Patton recommends using these in addition to exclusion methods, not as a primary method. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 31 July 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 6 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of exclusion for Spanish Speakers

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