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

Whatever that might be in people’s minds, then that’s going to be an impressive government that comes down and overrules that connection that people have with whatever the highest government is in their mind. —Torie Bosch, STAT, 6 June 2026

But the 2025 reinstatement did not overrule the lower court’s finding about Musk’s control and the board. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 6 June 2026

At one point, Chesser claimed a Mecklenburg County social services employee called for Moody to be removed from the home but was overruled by a supervisor. —Mary Ramsey june 4, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026

Judge John Roach overruled the objection. —J.d. Miles, CBS News, 3 June 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