rule out

verb

ruled out; ruling out; rules out

transitive verb

1
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.
This means fresh confrontations can't be ruled out. Michael Kugelman, NPR, 21 Dec. 2024 The Baltimore Ravens have ruled out wide receiver Diontae Johnson, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 State of play: House Democrats ruled out touching the debt ceiling as part of the government funding negotiations. Andrew Solender, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024 The parent involved in the crash does have a past medical history that may have contributed to the incident, so investigators have ruled out intoxication as a factor, according to Salazar. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near rule out

Cite this Entry

“Rule out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20out. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

rule out

verb
: to eliminate the possibility of

More from Merriam-Webster on rule out

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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