Definition of INCLUSIVE
- ️Wed Feb 12 2025
1
a
: broad in orientation or scope
The traditional system groups organisms … and places them in a hierarchy of ever more inclusive categories …— He wanted more inclusive histories that told the lives of all humankind, not just an elite few.—
Elizabeth PennisiBrook Thomas
b
: covering or intended to cover all items, costs, or services
Le Sport features inclusive packages with a single rate covering spa treatments, accommodations, all meals, drinks, water sports, and tennis.—Ian Keown
2
: including everyone
especially : including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (as because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability)
a diverse and inclusive workplace
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new push for accessibility has galvanized a disability rights movement in a country with a notably poor record on inclusive infrastructure. —Rama Lakshmi
Research from the Center for Talent Innovation shows that allies—people who support LGBT colleagues or work as advocates—play a decisive role in creating an inclusive community where individuals are comfortable being themselves. —Sylvia Ann Hewlett
3
: of or relating to education in which students with disabilities are included with the general student population
Supporters of so-called "inclusive education" say that letting students with and without severe disabilities learn side-by-side helps to undo the stigma associated with special education.— There are three inclusive classrooms, where kids who do not need special education services learn alongside students with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, learning delays or other disabilities. The students are taught the same curriculum, and the special education students generally receive services, such as occupational therapy, inside the classroom instead of being pulled out.—Associated PressErin Duffy
4
: including the stated limits or extremes
—used postpositively from Monday to Friday inclusive I expect to be at the island and visitable there … on the following dates: May 28-31 inclusive …—Alexander Woollcott
inclusively adverb
She waved her hand inclusively toward the various rooms.
—Theodore Dreiser
… as part of our new digital experience, we're launching an online community built expressly and inclusively for all members.
—Joseph J. Fifer
inclusiveness noun
… in the effort to achieve more fairness and inclusiveness in selecting the nominee, the reforms jettisoned many of the old underpinnings of the party.
—John C. Culver
Synonyms
Examples of inclusive in a Sentence
a butterfly expert with an inclusive knowledge of his subject
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 new name Scouting America, to be made official on Saturday, reflects an effort toward being more inclusive.
—Andrew King, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
The largest investment, $10 million, will go to inclusive education services, with another $4 million for bilingual education, reflecting the Inclusive Education Plan overhaul announced in 2023.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 7 Feb. 2025
Through its continued exploration of these events, EJI aims to educate the public and challenge them to confront these uncomfortable truths in order to work toward a more just and inclusive society.
—Melissa Noel, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025
The Academy may well have made significant progress in reforming itself to be more inclusive; several presenters took care to note the 13,000 voting members who chose the winners (and The Weeknd broke his years-long boycott of the Grammys to perform this time).
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inclusive 
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Time Traveler
The first known use of inclusive was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near inclusive
Cite this Entry
“Inclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inclusive. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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