overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
ˌō-və-
overruled; overruling; overrules
Synonyms of overrulenext

transitive verb

1
: to rule over : govern
2
: to prevail over : overcome
3
a
: to rule against
b
: to set aside : reverse

Examples of overrule in a Sentence

The judge overruled the objection. His conviction was overruled by the supreme court.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Replays clearly showed that Sam Bennett was ahead of the play, giving the referees the easy decision to overrule the initial goal call. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 After all, this will go to the very Supreme Court that declared, when overruling Chevron, that courts owe no deference to the executive branch when interpreting statutes. — Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025 Jared Kushner’s security clearance Trump overruled intelligence officials in 2018 to grant his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, a top secret security clearance, according to the New York Times and the Washington Post. — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2025 At sentencing the jury recommended life in prison, a decision overruled by the judge who instead imposed a death sentence. — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overrule

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overrule was in 1576

Rhymes for overrule

See All Rhymes for overrule

Browse Nearby Words

overruff
overrule
overruler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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Kids Definition

overrule

verb
over·​rule -ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
1
: to decide against
the judge overruled the objection
2
: to reverse or set aside (a decision or ruling made by a lesser authority)

Legal Definition

overrule

transitive verb
over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
1
: to rule against
the objection was overruled
compare sustain
2
a
: to rule against upon review by virtue of a higher authority : set aside, reverse
the appeals court overruled the trial court's decision
b
: to set aside as a precedent or guide
did not intend to overrule prior jurisprudence in that area
refused to overrule the landmark case
compare follow

More from Merriam-Webster on overrule

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for overrule

Nglish: Translation of overrule for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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