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 Although the Bankruptcy Court and the district court overruled the Department of Justice’s objection, the department later appealed that decision, leading to this week’s settlement. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 But, an hour before the midnight deadline for her execution was due to expire, the US Supreme Court overruled the stay, and prison officials went ahead with the process. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 1 Oct. 2026 But in 2020, the Nevada Supreme Court overruled the convictions — arguing that jurors shouldn’t have been allowed to hear information about Randolph’s previous wives, including Gault, and his time in prison. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026 First, the Clean Air Act has contained a specific provision since 1970 that explicitly says the federal law does not overrule state laws providing additional remedies for air pollution. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 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
  • California voters have twice rejected ballot measures to abolish the death penalty, first in 2012 and again in 2016, and Newsom’s decision overrides the will of the courts and state laws that permit capital punishment.
    — Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Voters, in 2024, narrowly rejected a half-cent local sales tax measure that was estimated to generate about $19 million annually.
    — Victoria Le, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of reject
Verb
  • State officials dismissed the allegation as speculation but explicitly warned the Authority not to pay higher rates for work assigned to those $35-an-hour positions.
    — Julie Watts, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Insurance agent Ken McFeeters filed a lawsuit challenging the senator’s eligibility based on residency requirements, but the lawsuit was dismissed.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of dismiss
Verb
  • The victory denies Abbott a fourth term and elevates an Austin state representative who built her campaign around public education, household costs and criticism of the state's Republican leadership.
    — Blaise Gainey, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The measure speeds permitting approval under the California Environmental Quality Act by placing deadlines on government agencies to issue or deny permits within a year.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of deny
Verb
  • Since Tuesday's election, he's refused to acknowledge any responsibility, placing blame on the candidates.
    — STEVEN SLOAN, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • All attuned to the issues that concern younger generations, who refuse to be stratified by shopworn political shibboleths.
    — James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • Customers could not withdraw or transfer money Tuesday, though most are protected by deposit insurance.
    — EMILIO SANABRIA, Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The last time the Legislature withdrew from the rainy day fund was in 2008.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of withdraw
Verb
  • The bottom line is that no aviation authority will ever ignore a bomb threat, Jeffries said.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Theories abound as to why Beijing has chosen to ignore the warnings.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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