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

Casper overruled the objection, holding that issues regarding the investigation were fair game. — Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026

The Missouri Supreme Court overruled him in both cases, ordering that the measures appear on the ballot. — Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2026

One of the solutions is having a strong agency that politicians can’t overrule. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026

There’s no law of unintelligent matter to overrule divine Mind’s intelligent, loving control. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 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