as in to reject
to decide that (something or someone) is wrong; to rule against (something or someone)
The judge overruled the objection. His conviction was overruled by the supreme court.
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Recent Examples of overrule
Mayor Mamdani has once wisely again overruled Candidate Mamdani, reversing a brash and reckless campaign promise with the sober reality of governing, this one on the CityFHEPS housing voucher program.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The groups acknowledged concerns voiced by their own members but overruled those objections based on the international spirit of the event.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
But to opponents of the ordinance promising to overrule Johnson’s veto, the freeze is simply an effort to save restaurants and jobs.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Most descriptions conclude that Obama used this quirky exchange to overrule his panicky advisors and run full steam ahead on health reform.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overrule
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The groups acknowledged concerns voiced by their own members but overruled those objections based on the international spirit of the event.
—Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
But to opponents of the ordinance promising to overrule Johnson’s veto, the freeze is simply an effort to save restaurants and jobs.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Most descriptions conclude that Obama used this quirky exchange to overrule his panicky advisors and run full steam ahead on health reform.
—Literary Hub, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overrule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrule
Verb
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A day earlier, Iran rejected a 15-point proposal offered by American negotiators.—
Joe Walsh,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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In response to the lawsuit, a government lawyer argued that forcing USCIS to lift the pause on Al Ghoula’s application and others like it could result in swift denials, warning that the applications would probably be rejected because security vetting is incomplete.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But in the motion to dismiss, McCallum said the shooter did not touch the railing.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Apr. 2026
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The deal dismissed charges of first-degree murder, tampering with a human body, burglary and theft from his case.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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For certain great artists, Meis believes, the creative act is a safe harbor where life’s pressures, exigencies, and calamities aren’t so much denied or resolved as reimagined as pictorial dramas.—
Jed Perl,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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Judge Antonio Arzola denied the request for a standard bond, citing probable cause, and issued an elevated $5,000 bond.—
Nikiya Carrero,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bali Police spokesperson Ari Sandy refused to comment on the investigation.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
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The Senate refused to act on those plans last year, one of the few defeats suffered by the MAGA right.—
Bill McKibben,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the face of growing opposition generated in part by allegations of his misconduct, Gaetz withdrew.—
Austin Sarat,
The Conversation,
3 Apr. 2026
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Each retiree withdraws $50,000 per year.—
Doug Ashburn,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Europeans are shrugging off these comments, if not ignoring them entirely.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
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Carla says her parents had no idea who might be behind the robberies and were surprised the thieves had ignored the millions of dollars’ worth of paintings.—
Jennifer Cannon,
Vanity Fair,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrule. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
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