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

Maybe general manager Andrew Luck, who was in the Stanford press box, should have overruled that call. —Erick Smith, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025

And the company also claims that by ignoring or overruling comments submitted during the rule-making procedure, these regulations are also procedurally invalid. —Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

The board this coming week will vote on the budget and quite possibly will overrule King and green-light more debt. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz is urging commissioners to overrule Levine Cava and provide about $90 million more than the mayor’s proposed $915 million funding from the county for the office in 2026. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 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