rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out
Synonyms of rule outnext

transitive verb

1
: exclude, eliminate
They were ruled out as candidates for the job.
2
: to make impossible : prevent
Heavy rain ruled out the picnic.

Synonyms of rule out

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Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament
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.
Meanwhile, Salaun, the WNBA’s frontrunner for Sixth Player of the Year, watched the game in street clothes after being ruled out with right knee soreness. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Bears haven’t ruled out the possibility of getting Trapilo at least some reps during training camp this month to test him out and rebuild his confidence in padded practices. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 While Maersk made one voyage through the Arctic Ocean in 2018, the Danish carrier has since ruled out the route as a service, as have other major Western container shipping companies including Hapag Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 Prior to his car going off the roadway, investigators have not ruled out the possibility that Howard suffered a medical episode, according to the release. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rule out was circa 1658

Rhymes for rule out

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Browse Nearby Words

rule of two and three
rule out
rule out of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Nglish: Translation of rule out for Spanish Speakers

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