close out vs rule out

close out and rule out both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
close out	No	No	Yes	No
rule out	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, close out and rule out are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of close out include preclude.

close out (verb)	rule out (verb)
to finish off	dismiss from consideration or a contest
terminate by selling off or disposing of	include or exclude by determining judicially or in agreement with rules
make impossible, especially beforehand	make impossible, especially beforehand