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 In the meantime, virtually nothing has been rebuilt in Gaza, Hamas is weakened but still in power, and a return to all-out fighting cannot be ruled out. — Joseph Krauss, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 They were joined on the sideline by three-time All-NBA center Domantas Sabonis, who was ruled out after playing just 10 minutes in Monday’s contest. — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The department extended similar easing of sanctions in March and April even though Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had ruled out such a move earlier in the year. — Michelle L. Price, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 Denver will be without its starting corners, Pat Surtain II (ankle) and Riley Moss (ribs), who were both ruled out against the Chargers. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rule out

Verb

Alternatively, the court could order that materials from the search be excluded from any case against him, and in the extreme, could award Mountbatten-Windsor compensation and a police apology.

— Will Barker, TheWeek, 6 Oct. 2026
Foreigners employed in the country, excluding domestic workers, fell by 16,000 in the three months to June, driven by a drop in construction jobs, according to the government’s quarterly report.

— Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of exclude

Verb

Separately, the standard bars new dyeing and finishing operations, excluding purely physical finishing, from sending wastewater to municipal treatment plants, according to the environment ministry.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
The girl’s mother now strongly regrets ever giving her daughter the raw milk and has tried to raise awareness of the risk—only to get barred from online groups for speaking out.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of bar

Verb

Rooms The residence’s apartments and suites are all about modern luxury with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, along with a solid stone ceiling which eliminated any sounds coming in from other rooms.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The nation eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but those rates have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of eliminate

Verb

Notre Dame, which shut out Rice 52-0 in the second game, hasn’t had two shutouts in one season since 2002, when the Fighting Irish beat Maryland 22-0 and Rutgers 42-0.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026
For generations, the series showed, white men had dominated the department, while Black and women firefighters had been ostracized and put in danger, shut out of the most desirable fire stations and passed over for promotions.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of shut out

Verb

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
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

Definition of freeze out

Verb

The nation eliminated the domestic spread of measles in 2000 by maintaining high vaccination rates, but those rates have fallen in recent years to below the 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Evidence might include the underlying need, capability fit, timing, accessibility, ability to deliver and risks or constraints that could prevent action.

— Adam Feiner, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of prevent

Verb

Going forward, the audit asks the Legislature to amend state law to provide clear instruction that prohibits state workers from regularly teleworking outside of California.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Dyed diesel is not available at most ordinary gas stations or truck stops, and it is normally prohibited for highway use.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of prohibit

Browse Nearby Words

rule (on)

rule out

ruler

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rule%20out. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of rule out

verb

Example Sentences

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