overrule

verb

Definition of overrulenext
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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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 overrule The Senate, Electoral College and other compromises enabled the few to overrule the many in ways that still cripple national action. — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026 Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that Congress overruled Dred Scott with the 1866 Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026 That invisible market sits in the room and quietly overrules the mission, meeting after meeting, until the mission is gone. — Kyle Westaway, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 But an appeals court effectively overruled that decision in an opinion written by current Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overrule
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrule
  1. reject
  2. dismiss
  3. deny
  4. refuse
  5. withdraw
  6. ignore
Verb
  • Netanyahu had rejected any role in Gaza for the Palestinian Authority (without publicly endorsing an alternative).
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • Conversely, when a judge rejects a motion for an injunction, companies can move to complete a takeover deal quickly.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • The case had not gone to trial yet, and the charges were dismissed Wednesday as a result of his death, records show.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • He was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and DUI causing injury, but the second charge was later dismissed after the substances tested for were not found to be present in his blood, the statement at the time read.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • Along with denying the request from the Carr brothers, Kelly last month denied a clemency request for Olathe serial killer John Robinson.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026
  • He also was denied medical treatment despite developing infections and other health complications while imprisoned.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of deny
Verb
  • Varela said a customer service representative refused to help fix an issue with his daughter’s ticket, which had incorrectly listed her last name as her middle name due to an error his wife accidentally made when booking the flight a few months ago.
    — Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • Gavin refuses to use a byproduct solely because it would otherwise be discarded.
    — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • When asked if the lawsuits involving Davis’ fees would be withdrawn, a spokesperson for Grapevine-Colleyville said the school board is reviewing the invoices, and the district couldn’t speculate before that process is complete.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
  • The reforms include winding down mRNA vaccine development, withdrawing funding for an international vaccine alliance and tightening access to COVID shots.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • The suspect allegedly attempted to flee again by jumping fences and ignoring the officers’ commands to stop, but was apprehended and placed in custody.
    — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 July 2026
  • But aside from dispatching shotgun-toting police agents to keep an eye on them, Venezuelan authorities mostly ignored the protesters.
    — John Otis, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of ignore

Browse Nearby Words

overrode
overrule
overruled
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Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrule. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overrule

Nglish: Translation of overrule for Spanish Speakers

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