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

Michigan health officials said their investigation suggests that lettuce or salad greens may be the culprit, but other foods can’t be ruled out — and no specific type, grower or supplier has been identified as the source. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

There are a few possibilities on the table, while some promising candidates have already been ruled out. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Lettuce could be causing a cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan, though officials are still not ruling out other food items as the source. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 14 July 2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says other food items have not been entirely ruled out as a source, and officials have not identified a specific grower or supplier. — Dejanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 13 July 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