RULE OUT Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

rule out

verb

Definition of rule out

as in to exclude

to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of another loss would rule them out of the tournament

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of rule out Additional observations steadily refined the asteroid's orbit, eliminating any possibility of a collision in 2029 and also ruling out any impact threat for at least the next century, according to NASA. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 6 July 2026 Late in the game, Portugal were spared extra time after Croatia's second goal was ruled out for an offside detected by the faintest touch on the ball. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026 To succeed, researchers must rule out every potential combination of classical proof and quantum proof-checking algorithm. — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 6 July 2026 Captain Siya Kolisi was ruled out by an ankle strain and Eben Etzebeth reportedly by concussion. — ABC News, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

More than 84% of dogs in the study showed at least mild signs of fear and anxiety in everyday situations, excluding learned fears related to grooming activities like nail trimming and bathing.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Nordic combined—the only Winter Olympics discipline to exclude women entirely—has been removed from the program.

— Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of exclude

Verb

A number of Russian regions have banned the use of large canisters that hold around five gallons to prevent fuel hoarding.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Twenty-seven states currently have laws banning trans girls and women from participating against cisgender women and girls.

— Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

The government seeks a court order barring the company from carrying diversity, equity and inclusion policies, plus unspecified damages for the unnamed employee.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2026
The case was dismissed in July 2016 for abuse of the bankruptcy system, and Yaffe was barred from refiling for 180 days.

— Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Definition of bar

Verb

Disparity between unincorporated areas, cities If the POP unit is eliminated, its six officers would return to patrol assignments.

— Reeti Malhotra July 13, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
United States forward Folarin Balogun has signed with the high-profile Klutch Sports agency following an eventful World Cup campaign that ended when the national team was eliminated by Belgium in the round of 16.

— Martin Rogers, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of eliminate

Verb

Win yesterday, come back home, important homestand before the All-Star break, and we’re shut out.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
France survived Paraguay's physical gameplan to beat La Albirroja, the red and white, 1-0 to advance to play Morocco, which shut out Canada on Saturday 3-0, in a quarterfinal on July 9 in Foxboro, Mass.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 5 July 2026

Definition of shut out

Verb

Years of soaring home prices, especially in the early part of this decade when rock-bottom mortgage rates fueled a buying frenzy, have left many would-be homebuyers frozen out of the market.

— Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Years of soaring home prices, especially in the early part of this decade when rock-bottom mortgage rates fueled a buying frenzy, have left many would-be homebuyers frozen out of the market.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026

Definition of freeze out

Verb

How to avoid a mosquito bite The best way to prevent infection is to stop mosquitoes from breeding around your home and avoid getting bit.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The Cohesion 18 sneakers are outfitted with a thick, supportive sole that absorbs impact and offers stability, a rubber outsole for traction, and a sockliner to prevent friction burn and blisters.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

The law states that third parties conducting the age verification are prohibited from retaining identifying information from users.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
The attorney, Greg Smith, told The Times that Los Angeles prosecutors are weighing charges against his client for allegedly violating a state law that prohibits recording conversations without the consent of those involved.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Definition of prohibit

Browse Nearby Words

rule (on)

rule out

ruler

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“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

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