mutually exclusive

adjective

: being related such that each excludes or precludes the other

mutually exclusive events

also : incompatible

their outlooks were not mutually exclusive

Synonyms

• clashing
• conflicting
• disagreeing
• discordant
• discrepant
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsistent
• inconsonant
• inharmonious
• repugnant

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

Adventurous journeys to the Earth’s most remote and fabled corners, the comfort and ease of an ultra-luxe ship—these are not mutually exclusive. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

And while the two personalities aren’t mutually exclusive, there’s something about the salty summer air and the $100 Lobster Cobb from Duryea’s that really makes these hosts come alive. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

The result was both critical acclaim and commercial success - including a sequel that nearly doubled the box office of the first film, proving that innovation and respect for source material aren't mutually exclusive. —Damion Taylor, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Personalization and privacy should not be mutually exclusive. —Isabelle Zdatny, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above