as in rejects
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 overrules
Echoing a common theme from older participants, Kelle Phillips said Trump’s decision was a pragmatic reaction to a real threat that overrules the best hopes of campaign rhetoric.
—
Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
The appellate court's decision overrules a lower court judge who refused to dismiss Gary's lawsuit last year, leading gun manufacturers to appeal.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
The legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 79, overrules local zoning to boost development in busy areas of the Golden State, allowing developers to build tall apartment and condo buildings of up to nine stories in single-family areas near certain transit stops.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The decision overrules a lower court's decision that had blocked USAID cuts.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2025
Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
The appellate court's decision overrules a lower court judge who refused to dismiss Gary's lawsuit last year, leading gun manufacturers to appeal.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 29 Dec. 2025
The legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 79, overrules local zoning to boost development in busy areas of the Golden State, allowing developers to build tall apartment and condo buildings of up to nine stories in single-family areas near certain transit stops.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
The decision overrules a lower court's decision that had blocked USAID cuts.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrules
Verb
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Apparently, if eBay’s board rejects the offer, Cohen is reportedly willing to take it directly to shareholders.—
Josh Brown and Sean Russo,
CNBC,
4 May 2026
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If the Supreme Court rejects the administration’s argument, Venezuelans, Haitians, and other TPS beneficiaries could use it to continue arguing for their protections in court.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When bumbling village policeman Derry (an endearing Nicholas Braun) dismisses any suspicion of foul play despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, it’s left to the sheep to prove otherwise — despite no ability to converse with their human counterparts beyond Lassie-style leading and hinting.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
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The Ohio Republican Party chairman, Alex Triantafilou, dismisses Putsch's attacks as typical for a primary election.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Doctors and patients have long criticized prior authorizations, saying in surveys and government oversight reports that the practice routinely delays or denies care.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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He was also sued for battery, emotional distress, and fraud in April and accused of inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological damage by 18-year-old influencer Alorah Ziva, which Peters denies.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
6 May 2026
Verb
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In the nation’s fastest-gentrifying city, Black DC refuses quiet erasure.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
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The seat is open, but no election has been called, not because the people didn’t care, but because the governor refuses to act.—
Daryl Campbell,
Sun Sentinel,
6 May 2026
Verb
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There is an attitude among many in the legislature that children under five belong at home with mom, which ignores the economic reality facing Idaho families.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
8 May 2026
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Far too often, housing analysis ignores job creation.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overrules.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrules. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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