rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

transitive verb

1
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.
Patrick Mahomes didn’t rule out a rallying spirit for their teammate. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025 Four senior players were ruled out with significant physical setbacks last week. Pol Ballús, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Alt being ruled out for this game, and further games will put even more pressure on one of the most important units the team has. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 But some rain and blustery wind can’t be ruled out. Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2025 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 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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