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 But while those will provide short-term relief, the currency is expected to weaken toward the end of the year and mid-2027, and a 100 rupee-per-dollar mark could not be ruled out, strategists said. — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The Chargers have ruled out five starters, including right tackle Joe Alt, left guard Kayode Awosika, wide receiver Tre’ Harris, cornerback Donte Jackson and safety Derwin James. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 The main threat will be straight-line damaging winds, although an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. — Justin Lewis, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Cornerback Cobie Durant will miss his fourth consecutive game and backup offensive tackle Drew Shelton will miss a second consecutive game with hamstring injuries, as both were ruled out on Friday. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

Combined with its co-founders' pledge to donate 80% of their equity and an employee donation matching program, roughly 20% of Anthropic's shares will be dedicated to public purposes, excluding any additional shares added later.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Parillo allegedly excluded her from LHS’s management and declared himself the company’s director, president, secretary, and treasurer.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of exclude

Verb

In 2013, Facebook pushed updates to its Android app outside the Google Play store, prompting Google to ban the practice.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Multiple states now restrict forever chemicals, with Minnesota last year banning the intentional addition of PFAS to 11 categories of consumer products, including dental floss.

— Margaret Hetherman The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of ban

Verb

After a month, the ketogenic group showed clear metabolic improvements; the more striking psychiatric and cognitive gains turned up at four months—by which point the diet had been offered to everyone, eliminating the control-group comparison.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Manganese dioxide helps absorb and break down acetic acid, eliminating the odor.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of eliminate

Verb

Rice quarterback Jacurri Brown had touchdown runs of 50 and 78 yards, but the Owls (1-6, 0-3) were shut out over the final 40 minutes and 59 seconds.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Todd also mentioned feeling shut out from Grace’s thoughts and decision-making process; of course he’s been unsettled and worried as well as resentful.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of shut out

Verb

Wayne State University psychology professor Hannah Schacter says changes during adolescence make teenagers unusually sensitive to acceptance and rejection, which is why being frozen out of a group chat can register as a real loss.

— Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
The issue of access to the White House grounds is separate, yet related, to the issue of whether the administration can also freeze out members of the pool because the president does not approve of their editorial decisions.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of freeze out

Verb

Kenyan President William Ruto said in 2023 that government agencies should have been able to prevent the deaths.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
The titanium frame will naturally handle all kinds of impact, and the flashlight's battery chamber is sealed to prevent water damage.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

The curfew prohibits anyone from entering or remaining on the Place de la République, where rioting took place Saturday, and the shopping neighborhood of Les Halles, which has been subject to looting.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
If admiration and support for female athletes drive support for prohibiting transgender women from participating in women’s sports, then those who favor Title IX should also favor bans.

— Jesse Rhodes, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibit

Browse Nearby Words

rule (on)

rule out

ruler

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Style

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

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