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.
Christie started Plowden in place of DeRozan, who was ruled out due to right hamstring soreness 48 hours after passing Oscar Robertson for 16th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026 Victor Wembanyama was ruled out for the second half of the San Antonio Spurs’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a left rib contusion. Jared Weiss, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Both players scored in double figures on Sunday, but Santos was ruled out against the Kings because of a pelvis injury that has been bothering him for weeks. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2026 Ramos did not rule out a third season. Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 7 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster