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

Jeanie and her lawyer believe a 2017 court order keeps them from overruling her. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

With such a change, political leaders who overrule the science would have to do so on the public record. — Nahid Bhadelia, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026

Campaign finances is a topic among Alaska voters and across the United States this year, as the Supreme Court in June overruled a quarter-century-old decision capping how much parties can spend in coordination with candidates. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Vehicle tax increases are coming to Indianapolis after the City-County Council overruled Mayor Joe Hogsett's veto of the policy. — Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 11 Aug. 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