overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
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 Strength and courage will overrule emotional manipulation. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2024 By Friday evening that was mooted when Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin overruled the Pentagon’s director of the Office of Military Commissions, Susan Escallier, who authorized the deal with KSM and two of his 9/11 pals, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2024 On Thursday, the high court overruled the attorney general’s motion to stay her release. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2024 For example, the 14th Amendment’s first sentence, establishing birthright citizenship, overruled the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision from a decade earlier. Michael Szalma, Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for overrule 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overrule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overrule was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near overrule

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

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

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