RULES OUT Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

rules out

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule out

as in excludes

to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of another loss would rule them out of the tournament

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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 rules out Well, there are some rules out there already in terms of states requiring that companies list salary ranges in the job descriptions. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Something so bright isn’t fueled with nuclear fusion, which rules out traditional stellar objects. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 2026 The statute rules out radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures. — Zuri Primos july 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 The paper also rules out a competing explanation. — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 June 2026 And to me, that’s very alien to imagine that the Universe could be not following some laws, that there isn’t some set of rules out there that determines what really happens? — Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025 None of this rules out an agreement on Chinese investments in the US as part of a broader trade deal. — semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025 That rules out fanciful speculation that the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell, Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi and others who don’t hail from UK shores are in the running. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025 Well, that rules out a whole lot of major villains that Reeves may have adapted, after previously doing high profile ones like The Riddler, Catwoman (well, sometimes-villain) and the all-time great Colin Farrell Penguin. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules out

Verb

That figure excludes the fungi, the microscopic mites and the viruses that infect the bacteria themselves.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Car warranty coverage typically excludes wear-and-tear repairs, such as tires, brakes and suspension work, which are among the most common issues drivers face.

— Emily Mercer, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of excludes

Verb

Moroccans worry the new French law, which bans unsolicited cold calls, could have a negative impact on Morocco’s job market.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026
The ordinance bans Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles from parks in Centennial, as well as open areas and trails.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of bans

Verb

Recently ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov escalates tensions by publicly demanding wartime elections, challenging Zelensky’s authority even as Ukraine’s constitution bars national votes under martial law and protests follow his removal.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Friedman said Forbes’ employee handbook—which, according to the Times, requires staff to seek permission before engaging in outside business activities and bars personal gain from company relationships—likely functions as a binding contract.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of bars

Verb

Testing it myself, the case nearly eliminates the protrusion.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Other menu items that set the place apart include the Tomato Pie, which eliminates the mozzarella, and the East Coast White Pie that’s heavy on the garlic and multiple cheeses.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of eliminates

Verb

Specifically, the order prevents the town and its officials from holding a vote on, approving, adopting or taking any action to implement Resolution 26-25 concerning the Circle T Data Center, including at the special meeting underway on Monday.

— Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
These animals are born with a condition that prevents their vertebrae from fully developing.

— Kelly Lambert, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevents

Verb

The group of state attorneys general said in its initial filing that the merger would violate the Clayton Antitrust Act, which is the more-than-100-year-old law that prohibits anticompetitive mergers and acquisitions.

— Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
Therefore, rules and regulations cannot allow dogs when the declaration prohibits dogs in units.

— Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of prohibits

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rules (on)

rules out

ruling

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“Rules out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules%20out. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of rules out

verb

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