mutually exclusive

adjective

Synonyms of mutually exclusivenext
: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other
mutually exclusive events
also : incompatible
Their outlooks were not mutually exclusive.

Synonyms of mutually exclusive

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Examples of mutually exclusive in a Sentence

the two plans are mutually exclusive; implementing one will automatically rule out the other
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.
Comfort and polish aren’t mutually exclusive—take note from Avantika Vandanapu. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 The findings suggest that high pay and low stress are not mutually exclusive. — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Protecting affordable medical education and supporting faculty and staff compensation are not mutually exclusive. — Opinion, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026 Maintaining a winning culture, and making the right decisions on paper, are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but there are competing interests, such as trading Abrams. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mutually exclusive

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mutually exclusive was in 1656

Rhymes for mutually exclusive

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Browse Nearby Words

mutually
mutually exclusive
mutualness
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Cite this Entry

“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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