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 Little, the Fifth Circuit overruled its thirty-year-old Campbell decision. —Anthony Aycock june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025

Then last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Martin v. Boise with its decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, establishing that cities do have the power under the Constitution to enforce an anti-camping ordinance. —Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 5 June 2025

But the 4th District Court of Appeal overruled that in October, making the case active again. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025

The country's case was initially dismissed by a Boston federal judge in 2024, but an appeals court overruled Dennis Saylor's decision. —Dan Gooding barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 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