rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

transitive verb

1

: exclude, eliminate

2

: to make impossible : prevent

heavy rain ruled out the picnic

Synonyms

• ban
• bar
• close out
• count (out)
• debar
• eliminate
• except
• exclude
• freeze out
• shut out

Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament

Recent Examples on the Web

Emails go unreturned, hiring officers are a no-show for interviews and contenders who are ruled out may never be told. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The world’s largest island has been thrust into the geopolitical spotlight in recent months, with U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly saying that Washington should control the autonomous Danish territory — even refusing to rule out the use of military or economic force. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 June 2025

But William confirmed the payment was made via Apple Pay—ruling out keypad errors. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

This doesn’t rule out using an opener, but this isn’t something the Mets typically like to employ for a full nine-inning game. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rule out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

rule out

verb

: to eliminate the possibility of