preclude

verb

pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
Synonyms of preclude

transitive verb

1
: to make impossible by necessary consequence : rule out in advance
2
archaic : close
preclusion
pri-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce preclude (audio)
noun
preclusive
pri-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce preclude (audio)
-ziv
adjective
preclusively adverb

Did you know?

Preclude Uses Within and Outside Law

Preclude is often used in legal writing, where it usually refers to making something legally impossible. A new law may be passed by Congress to preclude any suits of a certain kind against a federal agency, for example. Some judges have found that the warnings on cigarette packs preclude any suits against the tobacco companies by lung-cancer sufferers. But there are plenty of nonlegal uses as well. Bad weather often precludes trips to the beach, and a lack of cash might preclude any beach vacation at all.

Synonyms of preclude

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Examples of preclude in a Sentence

I fear these things, but vaguely, for my brain buzzes in the merciful wash of endorphins that preclude any thought from occupying it too long. —Louise Erdrich, Harper's, May 1993
… the institution [of slavery] in the United States was almost uniquely despotic, a closed system so powerful and totalitarian that organized insurrection was almost entirely precluded … —William Styron, American Heritage, October 1992
But conceptual blinders can preclude observation, while most accurate generalities guarantee no proper resolution of specific anatomies, but can certainly guide perceptions along fruitful paths. —Stephen Jay Gould, Wonderful Life, 1989
… the same profusion of water that precluded overland travel in the summer months could, during the sledgehammer freeze of winter, be utilized as a natural highway—albeit a highway of ice. —Jon Krakauer, Smithsonian, November 1987
She suffered an injury that precluded the possibility of an athletic career. Bad weather precluded any further attempts to reach the summit.
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.
Back then, United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said focusing on the operations and finances of the men’s setup had precluded him from engaging in detail with the plan for the women’s team. — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Bankman-Fried argued on appeal that the trial judge wrongly precluded him from introducing evidence that, despite his many unauthorized transactions, his investments were sound and over time investors would be made whole. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Still, for patients and healthcare providers alike, easing access to obesity drugs is a welcome move, particularly in light of the fact that statutory rules written in 2006 have long precluded Medicare from covering weight-loss medications. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 And while Los Angeles’ second-favorite baseball team fired veteran GM Perry Minasian about a month ago, that doesn’t preclude another swap or too. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preclude

Word History

Etymology

Latin praecludere, from prae- + claudere to close — more at close entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of preclude was circa 1513

Rhymes for preclude

See All Rhymes for preclude

Browse Nearby Words

precludable
preclude
preclusion
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preclude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preclude. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

preclude

verb
pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
: to make impossible beforehand : prevent
the injury precluded the possibility of a career in sports

Legal Definition

preclude

transitive verb
pre·​clude pri-ˈklüd How to pronounce preclude (audio)
precluded; precluding
: to prevent or exclude by necessary consequence: as
a
: to prevent (a party) from litigating an action or claim especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata
they are precluded only because they failed to assert…the grounds for recovery they now assert—Roach v. Teamsters Local Union No. 688, 595 F.2d 446 (1979)
b
: to prevent (a claim or action) from being litigated especially by collateral estoppel or res judicata
the Civil Service Reform Act provides the exclusive address for adverse federal employment actions and thus precludes claims brought under the Tort Claims Act—National Law Journal
preclusion
-ˈklü-zhən How to pronounce preclude (audio)
noun
preclusive
-ˈklü-siv How to pronounce preclude (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on preclude

Nglish: Translation of preclude for Spanish Speakers

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