rule out
Britishverb
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to dismiss from consideration
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to make impossible; preclude or prevent
the rain ruled out outdoor games
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Eliminate from consideration, exclude, as in The option of starting over again has been ruled out . [Second half of 1800s]
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Prevent, make impossible, as in The snowstorm ruled out our weekly rehearsal . [First half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
More precise measurements from upcoming observatories and cosmic surveys could help scientists determine which hidden interactions dark matter might possess and which possibilities observations can rule out.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 2, 2026
Rowan told BBC Spotlight he was not surprised and says he would not rule out deeper intrusions into his communications data.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
“While we cannot entirely rule out the risk of a surprise hike, current market pricing looks too high,” says senior U.S. economist Xiao Cui in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
I have to do more blood work, or lumbar punctures, to rule out meningitis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
On July 17, the president's four doctors informed Corkhill that, though they anticipated full recovery, they couldn't absolutely rule out death.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
