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Showing results for exclusionary.
Synonyms

exclusionary

American  
[ik-skloo-zhuh-ner-ee] / ɪkˈsklu ʒəˌnɛr i /

adjective

  1. having the effect of excluding or shutting out someone or something.

    In wealthy suburbs with good schools, exclusionary zoning policies often block affordable housing development and keep out low-income people.

Etymology

Origin of exclusionary

exclusion ( def. ) + -ary ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Describe any other exclusionary conduct on the part of Netflix that would reasonably appear capable of entrenching market or monopoly power,” the agency asked in the subpoena, sent to another entertainment company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

As the castle doctrine spread across the English colonies, including North America, it took its essential exclusionary principles with it.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

It’s easy to blame this lack of welcome on exclusionary, or perhaps just plain snobby, elites.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2025

So I don’t enjoy theater that feels like it’s just for other artists, feels exclusionary or, in the worst case, just makes people feel stupid.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2025

Throughout the United States, public housing agencies have adopted exclusionary policies that deny eligibility to applicants even with the most minor criminal backgrounds.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.