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
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Recent Examples of rule out
The five-star prospect has already been ruled out for this week’s matchups against Maryland or Purdue, which had initially been the target for his return.
—
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
For starters, Miranchuk isn’t a winger, so rule out that possibility.
—Doug Roberson, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 2026
He was officially ruled out as the game was ending.
—Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
He was ruled out for the rest of the game.
—Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule out
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
For starters, Miranchuk isn’t a winger, so rule out that possibility.
—Doug Roberson, AJC.com, 13 Jan. 2026
He was officially ruled out as the game was ending.
—Zack Cox, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2026
He was ruled out for the rest of the game.
—Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out
Verb
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The temporary restraining order issued Monday states that — for the time being — Davis cannot remove Wilcox from the primary ballot, alter her status as a candidate or notify the Texas Secretary of State’s office that Wilcox is ineligible or should be excluded from the ballot.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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Territories annexed to other countries are excluded.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Several red states have proposed legislation modeled on California's 2023 law, which bans four food additives.—
Alan Greenblatt,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
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The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will consider several draft proposals in its Tuesday hearing, with some aiming to ban states from setting rules for AVs at all and others looking to lax exemption requirements.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Courts have barred similarly slapdash efforts to appoint a slate of Trump-friendly prosecutors, harass law firms the president dislikes, withhold federal funding from a range of institutions, and deploy the National Guard to peaceful cities despite opposition from blue-state governors.—
Quinta Jurecic,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2026
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In 2018 and 2022, the NHL again barred current players from competing, but the league reversed course for next month's competition.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When worn on planes, they’re known to reduce swelling, eliminate discomfort, and promote circulation.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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The Chiefs ultimately lost, eliminating the team from playoff contention.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Arenas shuffled up and down the pickleball court and shifted laterally, quickly racking up the points and shutting out Jennings in the game, 11-0.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
20 Jan. 2026
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But the group, including TikTokers, media and more covering the case, was shut out of the courtroom when the judge warned that anyone who livestreamed the hearing would be found in contempt of court, The News & Observer reported.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Minnesota officials said on Thursday that the FBI is taking the lead on the investigation and freezing out state investigators.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
9 Jan. 2026
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In 2019, the NBA learned this the hard way when a tweet from then-Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey regarding Hong Kong led Chinese businesses to freeze out the association for years.—
Adam Minter,
Twin Cities,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Authorities called for additional measures to prevent overlap between performer and audience exit times and to minimize traffic disruption in the surrounding area.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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Politically, there might also be little to gain from the international outcry that would arise were the high-profile artist detained or prevented from entering Beijing.—
Stephy Chung,
CNN Money,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The letter cited Boise City Code, which prohibits selling or advertising unlimited alcoholic drinks for a single price.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
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Therefore, all interaction and communication between contestants are prohibited.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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