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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some in the agency objected but were quickly overruled. Arthur L. Kellermann, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 Under the Home Rule Act, the District maintains its own local government, but Congress retains ultimate authority and can overrule local laws. Jesus Mesa gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Officials like Prasad can overrule staffers, but such cases are rare and often controversial. Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 3 July 2025 And the Appeals Court said only the Supreme Court can overrule that decision. Taylor Wilson, USA Today, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for overrule

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overrule was in 1576

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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