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.

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.
These plans extend far beyond NASA's 2028 lunar landing schedule, and rule out — for now — the inclusion of an outpost in lunar orbit. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Clifford has been ruled out along with Drew Eubanks (thumb), De’Andre Hunter (eye), Zach LaVine (finger), Keegan Murray (ankle), Domantas Sabonis (knee), Isaiah Stevens (G League) and Russell Westbrook (foot). Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, who lost to Bass in the 2022 mayoral election, also ruled out another run last month after considering the possibility earlier in the year. City News Service, Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026 He was ruled out the rest of the game, finishing with nine points and four rebounds in 12 minutes. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 23 Mar. 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

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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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