as in to overturn
formal
to cancel (an order) especially by giving a new order
Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in veto
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in mandate
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of countermand
George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
We also were concerned that if the anti-congestion pricing Donald Trump was returned to the White House, the tolls that began later on would be at a greater risk of being countermanded by Washington.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
What remains will be countermanded at the next change in power, the countermander then adding his or her new round of decrees, and on and on.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
The concept of a deep state is valuable in its original context, the study of developing countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, where shadowy elites in the military and government ministries have been known to countermand or simply defy democratic directives.
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for countermand
Verb
Trump’s Achilles’ heel, where his policies may yet be countermanded by the judicial branch, are his arbitrary tariffs, having their root in a delegation as broad as that for FDR’s National Recovery Administration.
—George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 2025
We also were concerned that if the anti-congestion pricing Donald Trump was returned to the White House, the tolls that began later on would be at a greater risk of being countermanded by Washington.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
What remains will be countermanded at the next change in power, the countermander then adding his or her new round of decrees, and on and on.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
The concept of a deep state is valuable in its original context, the study of developing countries such as Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, where shadowy elites in the military and government ministries have been known to countermand or simply defy democratic directives.
—Jon D. Michaels, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017
See All Example Sentences for countermand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for countermand
Verb
-
The measure, if approved for the ballot and passed by voters, would overturn the congressional map Missouri Republicans passed to oust Kansas City’s long-term Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
2 May 2026
-
The Republican president views the investments as critical for economic security and emblematic of his own dealmaking skills, overturning what had been GOP dogma that government should avoid picking winners and losers.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Super-majority thresholds are common in government (like a 67% requirement to over-ride a governor’s veto) and in the private sector.—
Kent Thiry,
Denver Post,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Letterboxd co-founder Matthew Buchanan retains veto rights over any potential buyer, a condition intended to preserve the site’s original spirit.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In Louisiana, where the mandate to draw a second, Democratic-leaning majority-Black House district led to Tuesday’s decision, the primary election for federal offices is set for May 16 — and early voting is scheduled to begin Saturday.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Currently, state governments primarily regulate insurance, but a federal mandate would be harder for companies to challenge.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Travelers across South Jersey were scrambling after the sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines, a major carrier at Atlantic City International Airport, leaving flights canceled and raising concerns about the region's tourism economy.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
3 May 2026
-
The airline said on its website that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Annually update first responder interaction plans, access to manual vehicle override systems, two-way communication links with 30-second response times and training requirements to ensure safe and timely interactions.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Considering an override and voluntary tax increase is a non-starter for Methuen residents, the mayor said.—
Kristina Rex,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But with the lottery alterations, trades and free agency again will return to a forefront that allowed the Heat to return to the forefront for the majority of these three decades of Riley rule.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
He was removed from the assignments last month in what his spokesperson said was a procedural move under House rules following his party change.—
Mathew Miranda,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday after three countries revoked flight permits, reportedly due to Chinese pressure.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2026
-
Meta’s threat to revoke social media access in the state altogether was not taken lightly by Torrez.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
The appropriate remedy is congressional overruling of the Marquette case so as to allow the states to regulate loans to their own citizens.—
George Liebmann,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2026
-
In recent years, the court’s conservative majority overruling of major, longstanding precedents has become a defining feature of Roberts’ tenure.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Countermand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/countermand. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
