overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül 

ˌō-və-

overruled; overruling; overrules

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

So Moyle’s mother appealed to the Ada County Board of Commissioners, where the Moyles prevailed on some parcels but were overruled on others. — Idaho Statesman, 13 July 2026

Regents overruled a faculty task force, which had found the tests to be predictive of college success across demographics and recommended keeping them. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

This was then overruled by the Court of Cassation in November 2025, which referred the case back to the Court of Appeal. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 8 July 2026

This was the 10th goal overruled by VAR thus far in the World Cup. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overrule

• minuscule
• molecule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool

Kids Definition

overrule

verb

over·​rule -ˈrül 

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 

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