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 statute also lists exclusions, so two drivers with similar cases can get different eligibility answers. — Karen Koehler, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 Syrian families in Magdeburg are weighing whether to stay, as AfD campaign promises of faster deportations and tighter asylum limits deepen fears of hostility and exclusion. — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 Critics say the process requires documents that are confusing and difficult to obtain, risking the exclusion of millions of eligible voters. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026 In 2013 the agency issued a rule saying the exclusion should apply only when an orphan drug is actually used for the rare condition it was designated for. — John Mildenberger, STAT, 2 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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