preclude vs. exclude

preclude

verb (used with object)

precluded, precluding 

  1. to prevent the presence, existence, or occurrence of; make impossible.

    The insufficiency of the evidence precludes a conviction.

    Synonyms: eliminate, forestall

  2. to exclude or debar from something.

    His contract precludes a raise for him.

exclude

verb (used with object)

excluded, excluding 

  1. to shut or keep out; prevent the entrance of.

    Synonyms: preclude, omit, except, prohibit, bar
    Antonyms: include

  2. to shut out from consideration, privilege, etc..

    Employees and their relatives were excluded from participation in the contest.

  3. to expel and keep out; thrust out; eject.

    He was excluded from the club for infractions of the rules.

    Synonyms: reject