rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

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

• exclude
• ban
• bar
• eliminate
• shut out
• freeze out
• prevent
• prohibit

Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament

Recent Examples on the Web

Harrison, who was previously ruled out for Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury, must sit out at least four games. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

The party has always ruled out any cooperation with the far-right — refusing to consider entering into a coalition government with the AfD or using votes from its lawmakers to get legislation passed. — Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Many—but not all—clusters have a single dark red or purple floret in the center, so the absence of one does not rule out the plant. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 Sep. 2026

That rules out many advanced microscopy techniques, particularly those that rely on intense light or fluorescent dyes. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rule out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

rule out

verb

: to eliminate the possibility of