rule out

Definition of rule outnext

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 The results show that reproduction could pose a real challenge for future space settlers, but it still can’t be ruled out as impossible. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 27 Mar. 2026 The age of the remains — possibly several hundred years old — rules out any connection to modern missing persons investigations. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026 Thune has repeatedly ruled out scrapping the filibuster rules, which set a 60-vote threshold to advance most legislation. Arkansas Online, 27 Mar. 2026 Her words underscored the seriousness with which the coroner’s office is treating the find, even after ruling out a connection to any active missing persons investigation. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out
Verb
  • The Senate came to a deal on Friday morning to fund DHS, excluding appropriations for immigration enforcement, but the House Republicans rejected it.
    Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Overall, the district would have spent more than $3 million of taxpayer money on all of the Education Accelerated contracts — excluding travel expenses — if they had not been terminated last month, documents show.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The country’s then-supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, even went as far as issuing a fatwa, or legal ruling under Islamic law, banning them.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
  • North Korea banned all foreign tourists during the pandemic but has started easing the restrictions, with a Russian tour group entering the country in 2024.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In 2020, the Legislature passed a law barring trans women and girls from participating in women’s and girls sports.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The no-fuss interior is pretty sparse, bar a handful of tables and small wine cabinet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Mid-City residents have also criticized the project for potentially eliminating a grocery store in the area.
    City News Service, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The bill would eliminate some offerings, including virtual driver’s education, a literacy program for students in grades K-5 and custom sections.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • When Lenae was shut out of nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, likely a result of eligibility period technicalities, viral posts calling out her absence racked up tens of thousands of likes.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Plano West shut out Grand Prairie 4-0 on Tuesday.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Democratic Party’s nightmare scenario would involve both Republican candidates advancing to November’s general election, freezing out Democrats from the governor’s office for the first time since 2011.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Crespo told us that, yes indeed, he’s still frozen out of the caucus.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Salam said after an emergency Cabinet meeting in early March that only the state should decide on matters of war and peace and called on security agencies to prevent the firing of missiles or drones from Lebanon and detain those behind the launch.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink unless Congress takes action to prevent it.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The city agreed, reducing maximum e-bike speeds to 15 mph on city trails, prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks and imposing penalties.
    Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The church, built on what is revered by many Christians as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection, remains closed under Israeli military guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster