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.
Herro had played in nine straight games and was just named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday before being ruled out for Tuesday’s game because of left quad soreness. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 And people who have symptoms or are immunocompromised should seek treatment to rule out active tuberculosis and discuss preventative treatment. Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 Separately, a top Iranian official ruled out diplomacy for now, saying in a CNN interview that Tehran will continue attacking Gulf countries and that the war would only end through economic pain. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026 In an interview with CNN Monday, Israel's foreign minister, Gideon Sa'ar, declined to rule out assassination plans targeting Khamenei, saying Israel would not disclose operational steps in advance. Npr Staff, NPR, 10 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 11 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

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