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

Eventually, Judge Alexander Tisch overruled the objection and allowed Powell to continue. —Luke Cyphers, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Supreme Court overruled the lower courts, reopening the case by sending it back to the district court to reinstate the wage-theft claims for further proceedings. —Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026

Under the Constitution, elections are to be held in 30 days, though martial law could overrule. —Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

The decision blocking that evidence was appealed to the state’s high court, which overruled the lower courts last month and found that police were justified in seizing the evidence without a warrant. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 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