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

The decision blocking that evidence was appealed to the state’s high court, which overruled the lower courts last month and found that police were justified in seizing the evidence without a warrant. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 2026

According to Rob Shuter, William warned the King that allowing the princesses to walk with the rest of the family wasn’t a great idea, but the King overruled him. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Dec. 2025

The appellate court's decision overrules a lower court judge who refused to dismiss Gary's lawsuit last year, leading gun manufacturers to appeal. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025

As mayor, Higgins has no authority over the city bureaucracy but does have the power to hire and fire the city manager — provided she isn’t overruled by the City Commission. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025

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