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

But, an hour before the midnight deadline for her execution was due to expire, the US Supreme Court overruled the stay, and prison officials went ahead with the process. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026

But in 2020, the Nevada Supreme Court overruled the convictions — arguing that jurors shouldn’t have been allowed to hear information about Randolph’s previous wives, including Gault, and his time in prison. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

Perspectives Ideas expressed in the piece The column argues that an editorial-independence board is unlikely to protect CNN and CBS News if the owner can shape the newsroom and the board lacks clear authority to overrule management. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

The administration then asked the Supreme Court to overrule them. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 15 Sep. 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