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.
The coin may have reached Shetland through trade with England, though researchers have not ruled out the possibility it might have been taken as loot during a raid. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026 In the meantime, virtually nothing has been rebuilt in Gaza, Hamas is weakened but still in power, and a return to all-out fighting cannot be ruled out. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 They were joined on the sideline by three-time All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, who was ruled out after playing just 10 minutes in Monday’s contest. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The department extended similar easing of sanctions in March and April even though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had ruled out such a move earlier in the year. — Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of
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