rule out
verb
ruled out; ruling out; rules out
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
The Trump administration has taken a very different view, but Washington could and should categorically rule out neutering Ukraine or formal neutrality, and instead put three options on the table: a Norway model of NATO membership, the Israel model, and a European security guarantee.
—
Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2025
To be sure, the AfD is unlikely to govern for now as all mainstream parties have ruled out working with it, though some analysts believe its strength could pave the way for an AfD win in 2029.
—Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
He is expected to be ruled out for a number of key matches, beginning with Tuesday’s home Premier League game against Bournemouth and Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round visit to Newcastle.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Putin also said Russia does not rule out European countries—who were dismayed that they and Ukraine were not invited to the table in Riyadh—participating in a peace settlement.
—Sylvie Corbet, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule out
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.
Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 24 Feb. 2025
To be sure, the AfD is unlikely to govern for now as all mainstream parties have ruled out working with it, though some analysts believe its strength could pave the way for an AfD win in 2029.
—Sarah Marsh and Matthias Williams, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025
He is expected to be ruled out for a number of key matches, beginning with Tuesday’s home Premier League game against Bournemouth and Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round visit to Newcastle.
—Andy Naylor, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025
Putin also said Russia does not rule out European countries—who were dismayed that they and Ukraine were not invited to the table in Riyadh—participating in a peace settlement.
—Sylvie Corbet, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule out
Cite this Entry
“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share