diff --git a/flopy/mf6/utils/generate_classes.py b/flopy/mf6/utils/generate_classes.py
index 0041a928b..7feeed163 100644
--- a/flopy/mf6/utils/generate_classes.py
+++ b/flopy/mf6/utils/generate_classes.py
@@ -11,7 +11,6 @@
 flopypth = os.path.join(thisfilepath, "..", "..")
 flopypth = os.path.abspath(flopypth)
 protected_dfns = ["flopy.dfn"]
-
 default_owner = "MODFLOW-USGS"
 default_repo = "modflow6"
 
@@ -88,7 +87,7 @@ def backup_existing_dfns(flopy_dfn_path):
     ), f"dfn backup files not found: {backup_folder}"
 
 
-def replace_dfn_files(new_dfn_pth, flopy_dfn_path):
+def replace_dfn_files(new_dfn_pth, flopy_dfn_path, exclude):
     # remove the old files, unless the file is protected
     filenames = os.listdir(flopy_dfn_path)
     delete_files(filenames, flopy_dfn_path, exclude=protected_dfns)
@@ -96,6 +95,9 @@ def replace_dfn_files(new_dfn_pth, flopy_dfn_path):
     # copy the new ones into the folder
     filenames = os.listdir(new_dfn_pth)
     for filename in filenames:
+        if exclude and any(pattern in filename for pattern in exclude):
+            print(f"  excluding..{filename}")
+            continue
         filename_w_path = os.path.join(new_dfn_pth, filename)
         print(f"  copying..{filename}")
         shutil.copy(filename_w_path, flopy_dfn_path)
@@ -118,6 +120,7 @@ def generate_classes(
     ref="master",
     dfnpath=None,
     backup=True,
+    exclude=None
 ):
     """
     Generate the MODFLOW 6 flopy classes using definition files from the
@@ -147,7 +150,8 @@ def generate_classes(
     backup : bool, default True
         Keep a backup of the definition files in dfn_backup with a date and
         timestamp from when the definition files were replaced.
-
+    exclude : list of str, optional, default None
+        Patterns for excluding DFN files and corresponding components.
     """
 
     # print header
@@ -187,7 +191,7 @@ def generate_classes(
         print("  Using pre-existing definition files")
     else:
         print("  Replacing existing definition files")
-        replace_dfn_files(new_dfn_pth, flopy_dfn_path)
+        replace_dfn_files(new_dfn_pth, flopy_dfn_path, exclude)
         if dfnpath is None:
             shutil.rmtree(new_dfn_pth)
 
@@ -230,6 +234,11 @@ def cli_main():
         help="Path to a definition file folder that will be used to generate "
         "the MODFLOW 6 classes.",
     )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--exclude",
+        help="Exclude DFNs matching a pattern.",
+        action="append"
+    )
     parser.add_argument(
         "--no-backup",
         action="store_true",