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.
Trump declared, having previously declined to rule out using military force. Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 The violent insurrection overshadowed the final days of Trump's first term and seemed at the time almost certain to rule out any future bid for the presidency. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 Trump declined to rule out using the military to seize the canal. Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 The following tests can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms and confirm an EoE diagnosis:7526 Upper endoscopy: An endoscope (a long, narrow tube with a light and camera) is inserted into your mouth and throat. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 19 Jan. 2025 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 23 Jan. 2025.

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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