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

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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 At the hospital, his doctor ordered a CT scan, which is the only way to rule out a dissection when someone has sudden abdominal pain. — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 13 July 2026 Even though police have not yet determined the actual motive, based on prior contact with one of the victims, gang activity has not been ruled out, authorities said. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 13 July 2026 Kennedy told Katie Pavlich on NewsNation that he is focused on the midterms and his reelection to the Senate, but wouldn't rule out a run. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 11 July 2026 Damaging winds and heavy rain are expected to be the primary threats, but hail and tornadoes can’t be ruled out. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

Since last year, Nvidia has excluded any potential Chinese AI chip revenue from its forecasts.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Includes standard back-to-school apparel; excludes athletic uniforms and luxury goods.

— Courtney Johnston, PC Magazine, 14 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

He was sentenced to nine days in jail before being deported to Australia and barred from reentering Singapore.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
Friday's appeals court ruling in the New Jersey case goes further than a July 2024 ruling from a federal judge, who said that the state's ban on AR-15s specifically was unconstitutional but upheld the provision barring larger magazines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 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

The lefty shut out the Boston Red Sox over seven innings, but the Mets blew a lead in the ninth and went on to lose 3-2 in the final game before the All-Star break.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2026
Everything starts on defense for Switzerland, which has allowed only three goals in five matches, and which shut out Luis Díaz and Colombia for 120 minutes in the Round of 16.

— Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 11 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

Only people whose physical condition prevents them from doing so would be allowed to receive assistance from a doctor or a nurse.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 July 2026
The states are also asking for a temporary restraining order and an injunction that would prevent the merger from closing.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 July 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

The supreme courts of Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma have all prohibited seizing private property to give it to another private party purely for economic development.

— Aaron Walayat, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
The Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua tribes are also covered by the Texas Restoration Act, a federal law that restored federal recognition to both tribes in 1987 and said gambling prohibited under Texas law would also be prohibited on their reservations.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

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