as in rejected
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 overruled
The court’s decision overruled a decision by the Lake County Electoral Board, chaired by Vega, which decided in November in a 2-1 vote to allow Ruiz to remain on the ballot, despite the challenge.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The Dred Scott decision was later overruled by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments after the Civil War, which outlawed slavery, gave former slaves citizenship, and gave former slaves voting rights, respectively.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Jackson overruled his envoy, ignored the agent’s explanation and warning of grave risks, and instructed him to follow the original mandate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
But he was overruled, and like usual, the Dolphins former general manager, who too often lacked a backbone and conviction, caved when McDaniel went to owner Steve Ross and convinced him a deal needed to be done.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The decision was made by top agency official Vinay Prasad, who STAT previously reported had overruled career scientists in the vaccine center.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
At least one of their arguments relies on a precedent that was effectively overruled, decades ago, by the Supreme Court, according to a filing from media lawyers.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
The four remaining members of the women’s board voted to remove sanctioning, but Becker overruled them.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
That amendment was vetoed by Johnson, but council members overruled the veto unanimously.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
The Dred Scott decision was later overruled by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments after the Civil War, which outlawed slavery, gave former slaves citizenship, and gave former slaves voting rights, respectively.
—Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
Jackson overruled his envoy, ignored the agent’s explanation and warning of grave risks, and instructed him to follow the original mandate.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
But he was overruled, and like usual, the Dolphins former general manager, who too often lacked a backbone and conviction, caved when McDaniel went to owner Steve Ross and convinced him a deal needed to be done.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026
The decision was made by top agency official Vinay Prasad, who STAT previously reported had overruled career scientists in the vaccine center.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 18 Feb. 2026
At least one of their arguments relies on a precedent that was effectively overruled, decades ago, by the Supreme Court, according to a filing from media lawyers.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026
The four remaining members of the women’s board voted to remove sanctioning, but Becker overruled them.
—Jo Yurcaba, NBC news, 31 Jan. 2026
That amendment was vetoed by Johnson, but council members overruled the veto unanimously.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overruled
Verb
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Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown rejected Beverly Hills’ apology after police shut down his private All-Star Weekend event, citing financial and reputational harm.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In Shelley’s novel, the lonely creature demands a romantic companion after he is rejected by humanity.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After the allegations against his son, the official was dismissed from his post, according to a decision published Wednesday in the state government’s official gazette.—
Eléonore Hughes,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Figures in the main opposition Republican People’s Party, known by its Turkish initials CHP, have dismissed the charges as politically motivated.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ukrainian officials have denied the accusations, saying the pipeline, which feeds refineries in Hungary and Slovakia, was hit in a Russian drone attack.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Iran denied firing a missile at Turkey but has not responded to drones targeting the British base in Cyprus.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including those from the Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military from outside the building.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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The judge reminded the court that Cox filed the motion in January 2026 and refused to delay the hearing.—
Amy DeLaura,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The dog ignored him, and licked the boy’s face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
The forward mix can’t be ignored.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overruled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overruled. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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