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.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that Congress overruled Dred Scott with the 1866 Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026 The court overruled the Colorado Title Board, which had approved Initiatives 241 and 242, but denied an almost identical measure by Republicans (Initiative 328) that had a map favorable to them. Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 30 June 2026 The therapist tried to have the patient placed on a hold, but that decision was overruled by the local hospital. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 25 June 2026 The judge also overruled any further objections from the defense regarding Blankenship’s testimony on the matter. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster