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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 South Africa is battling with a lengthy injury list with four of its frontline bowlers including Kagiso Rabada and Kwena Maphaka ruled out of the series due to hamstring injuries. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 Judge, 34, did say on Wednesday that he has been ruled out for Game 162. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 Sep. 2026 But after being a late scratch in that game, Stewart was ruled out early of USC’s Big Ten opener against Rutgers. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The motive for the shooting has not been confirmed, but police haven’t ruled out a feud between rival gangs. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

The exact current values are obscured because federal filings use broad ranges and exclude subsequent market moves.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Moreover, that $100 million plus projection captures just the store-level opportunity and excludes upside from Hoka’s nationwide online availability on Academy’s website, Matuszewski said.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of exclude

Verb

But a 2012 Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) action barred the platform from serving US customers—its most important user base—and Intrade shuttered soon thereafter.

— Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
After Doe reported the incident to the Cornell University Police Department in November 2024, the Chi Phi chapter was barred from campus.

— Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of bar

Verb

But outside management does not inherently eliminate questions created by holding debt from specific local governments and projects, Marlowe said.

— Luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
County attorneys are also recommending the commission eliminate its Racial Equity Task Force, said Broward Commissioner Nan Rich.

— Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of eliminate

Verb

In the day's other National Women's Soccer League matches, Gotham FC downed the Chicago Stars 3-1; and the San Diego Wave shut out Racing Louisville 2-0.

— ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
All were sensational players who managed to shut out the noise and put up tremendous numbers.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of shut out

Verb

Also in the book, Spencer recalled times when Diana froze out people close to her, including several family members.

— Staff Author, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026
Although fines and suspended bans have been handed out to clubs, and some boys have been frozen out of the game for months until being cleared, few transfers have ever been banned by the five-step process.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of freeze out

Verb

Travelon bags excel in this area, with their slash-proof straps, locking zippers, and RFID-blocking materials to prevent digital theft of private information.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026
When transitioning from hard flooring to rugs or carpets, the system automatically adjusts suction levels and modifies its brush roll behavior to maximize particle pickup while preventing hair entanglements around the main rollers.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

The prosecution’s request that Clancy’s lawyers be prohibited from making extrajudicial statements to the media was also added to the list of issues to be heard in November.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Gun buying age The Marjory Stoneman Douglas safety package also prohibited young Floridians from buying guns.

— Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

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