rule out
verb
ruled out; ruling out; rules out
transitive verb
1
: exclude, eliminate
2
: to make impossible : prevent
heavy rain ruled out the picnic
Synonyms
- ban
- bar
- close out
- count (out)
- debar
- eliminate
- except
- exclude
- freeze out
- shut out
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
another loss would rule them out of the tournament
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1
rule out
verb
as in to ban
to prevent the participation, consideration, or inclusion of another loss would rule them out of the tournament Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- ban
- exclude
- shut out
- freeze out
- bar
- eliminate
- prevent
- close out
- prohibit
- except
- close one's doors to
- debar
- suspend
- banish
- expel
- count (out)
- check off
- exile
- blacklist
- preclude
- block
- excommunicate
- hinder
- throw out
- ostracize
- stave off
- obviate
- blackball
- impede
- deter
- deport
- cease
- obstruct
- ward (off)
- halt
- comb (out)
- oust
- disregard
- weed (out)
- discontinue
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- include
- accept
- admit
- embrace
- take in
- receive
- welcome
- entertain
- unban