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

However, Eisenkot has ruled out a coalition with the Arab parties, only one of which (the conservative-Islamist Ra’am) has ever agreed to join an Israeli government (briefly in 2021). — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026

Hurts has been ruled out by what the team has described as a superficial blood clot in his calf. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

But while those will provide short-term relief, the currency is expected to weaken toward the end of the year and mid-2027, and a 100 rupee-per-dollar mark could not be ruled out, strategists said. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

The Chargers have ruled out five starters, including right tackle Joe Alt, left guard Kayode Awosika, wide receiver Tre’ Harris, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety Derwin James. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 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