RULE OUT Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

rule out

verb

Definition of rule out

as in to exclude

to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of another loss would rule them out of the tournament

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rule out While many of the palms still appear green, that does not rule out the possibility of infection. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Investigators later ruled out trains and power lines as possible causes — and traced the fire’s point of origin to the same spot Child witnessed the man’s strange behavior. — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 That rules out the comfortable explanation older Americans are simply retiring early on appreciated stock portfolios. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Several other possible causes, such as lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects, were ruled out through extensive testing. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

Although umbrella insurance is far from perfect ― for instance, intentional acts are generally excluded ― umbrella insurance can provide much larger coverage amounts for things already covered by other policies with lower limits.

— Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
That question circulated across the United States six years ago as the country reckoned with racial injustice in the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, including who is represented by, or excluded from, our public symbols.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of exclude

Verb

The amendment would also ban gender-affirming care for children, which has not been allowed in the state since 2023.

— Jack Harvel August 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
There is no statewide law banning dogs from riding in a vehicle, but an unrestrained pet that blocks your view or climbs into your lap can lead to a reckless driving citation.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

Afghanistan is now the only country on earth where girls are barred from education past sixth grade.

— Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Macron had sought to make France the first European country to pass legislation restricting children’s access to social media, with the law expected to bar them from all major platforms.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bar

Verb

Six schools have closed, and 1,000 positions were eliminated because of budget cuts and declining enrollment.

— Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Hamas is the terrorist group that has pledged to eliminate Israel, which operates in Gaza, the area adjacent to Israel.

— Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of eliminate

Verb

With Villa manager Unai Emery doubting the wisdom of triggering the clause to buy him, Elliott was frozen out.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Years of soaring home prices, especially in the early part of this decade when rock-bottom mortgage rates fueled a buying frenzy, have left many would-be home buyers frozen out of the market.

— Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of freeze out

Verb

In May of last year, an Army helicopter that was instructed to fly over the Pentagon helipad forced controllers to order two flights to abort landings at Reagan National Airport to prevent collisions.

— Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Would New York authorities be willing to use their own police powers to, say, prevent federal agents from violating protesters’ constitutional rights or investigate crimes allegedly committed by federal agents?

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

Earlier this year, Greenwood Village also amended its municipal code to prohibit low power e-scooters and class 3 e-bikes from city paths, trails and sidewalks.

— Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, Illinois public and charter schools must generally prohibit students from using personal wireless devices from their arrival through dismissal.

— Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of prohibit

Browse Nearby Words

rule (on)

rule out

ruler

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“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

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