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

At least one of their arguments relies on a precedent that was effectively overruled, decades ago, by the Supreme Court, according to a filing from media lawyers. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026

The four remaining members of the women’s board voted to remove sanctioning, but Becker overruled them. —Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026

That amendment was vetoed by Johnson, but council members overruled the veto unanimously. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026

In March 2021, Depp's attempt to overturn the decision was overruled. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 Jan. 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