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.
The Belgian winger missed his nation’s second group game after being ruled out with illness, thought to be related to a respiratory problem he’s been battling for the last couple of weeks. Ben Church, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 However, the Royals didn’t rule out a potential return this week. Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 North Carolina Wildlife Biologist Falyn Owens previously told The Charlotte Observer not to rule out copperheads in more heavily populated areas. Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 The family has received tips about a few potential sightings, but those have been ruled out. Jason Rantala, CBS News, 22 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

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