RULES OUT Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

rules out

verb

present tense third-person singular of rule out

as in excludes

to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of another loss would rule them out of the tournament

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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.

Recent Examples of rules out Well, there are some rules out there already in terms of states requiring that companies list salary ranges in the job descriptions. — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026 Something so bright isn’t fueled with nuclear fusion, which rules out traditional stellar objects. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 2026 The statute rules out radios, CD players, headphones, sporting equipment, portable or desktop telephones, copiers or other office equipment, furniture, or fixtures. — Zuri Primos july 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 The paper also rules out a competing explanation. — Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 June 2026 And to me, that’s very alien to imagine that the Universe could be not following some laws, that there isn’t some set of rules out there that determines what really happens? — Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025 None of this rules out an agreement on Chinese investments in the US as part of a broader trade deal. — semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025 That rules out fanciful speculation that the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Glen Powell, Austin Butler, Jacob Elordi and others who don’t hail from UK shores are in the running. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025 Well, that rules out a whole lot of major villains that Reeves may have adapted, after previously doing high profile ones like The Riddler, Catwoman (well, sometimes-villain) and the all-time great Colin Farrell Penguin. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rules out

Verb

An extended warranty that offers bumper-to-bumper or exclusionary coverage generally covers these items unless the contract explicitly excludes them.

— Emily Mercer, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
The severe sleep apnea diagnosis that helps establish his medical need is also what excludes him from the discount program that would bring the cost within his reach.

— Jackie Fortiér, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of excludes

Verb

This complies with state law, which bans cell phones, AirPods and any wireless devices.

— Julia Avant, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
However, in recent years, the state's increased its controlling grip on certain aspects of expression, especially in regards to political figures with the passage of law in 2018 that bans criticism of the nation's heroes.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of bans

Verb

Now the siblings splurge on Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos and Snickers bars from a federal prison in Miami where they’re being held pending an extradition request from the United Kingdom.

— Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
At issue are a raft of local and state laws that, in one side’s reading, plainly state that the city allows a maximum of three terms, which bars Altamirano from serving on the council again.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of bars

Verb

Its recommendation algorithms learn what keeps users watching, infinite scroll eliminates the natural stopping point and autoplay serves up the next video without waiting to be asked.

— Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
This physical characteristic eliminates internal pressure build-up, allowing the primary loop to run at normal atmospheric pressure.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of eliminates

Verb

The federal agency is asking the court to order financial compensation for the former employee and to ensure the company prevents future discrimination.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
This balance prevents the charge pile-up that normally creates a dangerous electric-field spike when the transistor turns off.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of prevents

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rules (on)

rules out

ruling

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“Rules out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rules%20out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of rules out

verb

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