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

While the Board of Immigration Appeals has final say in the case and Bondi can not directly rule, the attorney general has authority to intervene in any of the board’s cases and overruled a previously permissible legal standard from the Biden administration's policy. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Tuesday’s majority ruling directly challenges the Supreme Court to overrule its precedent, citing its recent orders via the emergency docket. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025

But even the best intentions — like protecting kids — can’t overrule Constitutionality. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2025

One Democrat, Councilor Nick Roberts, joined four Republicans on the committee in voting to approve the idea, but they were overruled by six Democrats. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 31 Aug. 2025

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