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

The researchers noted that, as a natural experiment rather than a randomized trial, the study could not rule out all other postwar factors. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

But Roberts didn’t rule out the possibility of Ohtani making a short start Sunday in Detroit. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

But the White House has not ruled out further military action. — George Petras, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026

The medical examiner’s office previously said that foul play was not suspected, but that carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out as a possibility. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 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