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.

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.
He was supposed to play Sunday against Milwaukee, but he was ruled out of that game after warming up and underwent a stress test Monday that prompted the Nuggets to keep him back in Denver. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026 Brown, who’s posted career-best numbers while co-star Jayson Tatum recovers from Achilles surgery, was ruled out with low back spasms. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 Collins walked to the sideline and was carted to the locker room for further evaluation, and he was ruled out halfway through the fourth quarter. Michael Guise, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026 He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 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

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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