mutually exclusive

adjective

: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other
mutually exclusive events
also : incompatible
their outlooks were not mutually exclusive

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.
Of course, the two are not mutually exclusive—and both have attracted a top client roster of royal families and celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Melissa Rivers, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025 But rebuilding quickly and with objectives like resilience and efficiency doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, says Amy Bodek, Los Angeles County’s director of regional planning. Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Feb. 2025 Trump allies say there are multiple reasons to use tariffs, and maximizing leverage and raising revenue are not mutually exclusive. Francesca Chambers, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 Netflix has shown, however, that the two are not always mutually exclusive. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near mutually exclusive

Cite this Entry

“Mutually exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutually%20exclusive. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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