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

In her order, US District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín overruled objections to the settlement as lacking merit. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026

That order could keep the merger on pause indefinitely while the litigation moves forward, which means it could be paused for years, unless an appeals court overrules her. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

The jury will be allowed to visit the former Clancy home in Duxbury at the request of the prosecution, after Sullivan overruled the objections of the current homeowner, Michael Phippen, a defense lawyer and former Plymouth County prosecutor. — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 20 July 2026

However, their arguments were overruled by subsequent expert studies and a ruling by France’s highest administrative court, the Conseil d’Etat. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 17 July 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