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.
Injury update Heat guard Norman Powell was ruled out for a third consecutive game with an upper respiratory infection. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 He was quickly ruled out for the team’s four-game trip and now for the remainder of the year. Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026 Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer didn't rule out the possibility of selecting an offensive player in the first round of the draft when asked about it from the annual owner's meetings in Phoenix on Monday morning. Joseph Hoyt, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026 Trump has not ruled out using ground troops in Iran. ABC News, 30 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

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