rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

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.

Synonyms of rule out

• exclude
• ban
• bar
• eliminate
• shut out
• freeze out
• prevent
• prohibit

Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament

Recent Examples on the Web

Defensively, Philadelphia will also be without pass rusher Nolan Smith (concussion) and defensive back Michael Carter (abdomen) after they were ruled out. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Turkey has ruled out sending troops into Yemen to attack the Houthis, while Pakistan says its role would be strictly defensive. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

The Kansas City Chiefs ruled out right tackle Jaylon Moore (concussion), wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring/knee) and running back Brashard Smith (hamstring) for Sunday’s Week 7 road game against the Seattle Seahawks. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

In my case, so much was ruled out, there was nothing left but MS. — Lindsay Karp, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026

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