rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out
Synonyms of rule outnext

transitive verb

1
: exclude, eliminate
They were ruled out as candidates for the job.
2
: to make impossible : prevent
Heavy rain ruled out the picnic.

Synonyms of rule out

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Examples of rule out in a Sentence

another loss would rule them out of the tournament
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
She was helped off the floor and later ruled out after initially being listed as questionable to return. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 The letter, sent July 28 to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, comes as the president has not ruled out sending federal agents to the polls in November. — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Additional hormone testing helps identify the underlying cause, and your doctor may order more tests to rule out other medical conditions. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026 The crashes are under investigation and no potential causes have been ruled out, according to the CHP. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rule out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rule out was circa 1658

Rhymes for rule out

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Browse Nearby Words

rule of two and three
rule out
rule out of
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Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Nglish: Translation of rule out for Spanish Speakers

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