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 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 This approach helps untangle cause from coincidence – and rules out confounding factors better than with observational studies. — New Atlas, 12 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules out

Verb

That excludes India, where Ramayana producer Prime Focus Studios will release the film telling one of humanity’s oldest stories.

— Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
What if Penelope’s waiting is her own form of aggression, a way of holding a space, for as long as possible, that excludes the men and their own attempts at power?

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026

Definition of excludes

Verb

The language of the ethics rules bans public officials from using their name, image, likeness or official position for digital assets.

— Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Since the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, MLB strictly bans using personal electronics to record coaches or decode signals.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of bans

Verb

The deal otherwise bars Riyadh from developing its own enrichment technology or purchasing it from other countries for a decade, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the deal’s approval.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Federal law bars most health insurance plans from charging patients for prenatal visits, screenings, and some postpartum services.

— Camille A. Clare, STAT, 23 July 2026

Definition of bars

Verb

Its smooth 120Hz refresh rate eliminates motion blur during casual gaming breaks, while Game Picture Mode optimizes contrast for any genre.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
The new safe harbor eliminates gift tax filing for most donors, even as foreign contributors continue to face unresolved cross‑border tax questions.

— Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of eliminates

Verb

The city says state law prevents it from setting wages for private companies such as airlines, and a new provision in the state budget further restricts what local officials can do for contract workers.

— DJ Simmons July 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 July 2026
This prevents resentment, secrecy, and stressful decisions later.

— Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

Definition of prevents

Verb

The law broadly prohibits such actions, creating a narrow exception allowing temporary retention for up to ten hours solely for I-9 verification and copying.

— Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
The law also prohibits rentals from having their own locking doors or restricting access to the full residence, but both appear to be the case for the units in Zampolli’s house, based on videos filmed by guests.

— Adam Robb, Curbed, 27 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rules out

verb

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