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.
Whitehall has not ruled out industry levies once prototypes become production infrastructure. Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025 Netanyahu has previously ruled out ending the war until all the hostages are freed and the military and governing capability of Hamas has been permanently destroyed. CBS News, 5 July 2025 Fighting stopped on June 24 after 12 days, but neither side has ruled out resuming hostilities. Bloomberg News, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025 Reeves has long ruled out tax rises, leaving the government in constant crisis over budgets. Oliver Eagleton, Time, 5 July 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 14 Jul. 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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