rules out

VERB

exclude, reject

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert ban cancel dismiss eliminate forbid preclude prevent prohibit revoke suspend

WEAK

abolish bate count out debar deter except forestall forfend leave out not consider obviate proscribe recant stave off ward off

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accept aid allow approve authorize help keep permit sanction welcome

WEAK

add include

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.

"This work effectively rules out explanations of the Hubble tension that rely on a single overlooked error in local distance measurements," the authors conclude.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

Returns on high‑yield corporate bonds, “arguably the closest liquid substitute for private credit,” have held up fairly well, which rules out the possibility of a market-wide panic.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

"As a result that totally rules out any possibility of reprehensible actions on his part. I can tell you that with absolutely certainty."

From BBC • Oct. 16, 2024

They argued that this rules out any indication that Americans had been the victim of gouging by retailers.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2024

But on one fateful afternoon last year,Jeffrey threw the rules out the window.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick