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Definition of exclusionary

exclusionary

/ɪkˈskluːʒəˌnɛri/
ex · clu · sion · ar · y
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exclusionary Lexical Profile

exclusionary Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, characterized by, or serving to exclude or bar someone or something from participation, consideration, or access.

Example

"The city council voted to reform exclusionary zoning laws that had prevented affordable housing development for decades."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for exclusionary
Antonyms
View all antonyms for exclusionary

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'exclusionary' with 'exclusive'; while 'exclusive' often carries a positive or prestige connotation of selectiveness, 'exclusionary' almost always refers negatively or neutrally to rules, policies, or practices designed to bar certain people or things.

• Rhymes for exclusionary

• Nearby Words

exclude
excluding
exclusion
exclusionary
exclusive
exclusively
exclusiveness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'exclusion' + '-ary', ultimately tracing back to the Latin verb 'excludere', meaning 'to shut out' (from 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'claudere' meaning 'to shut').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exclusionary. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exclusionary
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