overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
ˌō-və-
overruled; overruling; overrules
Synonyms of overrulenext

transitive verb

1
: to rule over : govern
2
: to prevail over : overcome
3
a
: to rule against
b
: to set aside : reverse

Examples of overrule in a Sentence

The judge overruled the objection. His conviction was overruled by the supreme court.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch joined Alito’s 2021 opinion calling for Employment Division to be overruled. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 30 Oct. 2026 The government of California is ‘We, the People,’ not one person overruling the voters in every capital case at once. — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 The state, which has final say, overruled the DOE and approved 75% of those claims. — Lizz Giordano, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for overrule

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overrule was in 1576

Rhymes for overrule

See All Rhymes for overrule

Browse Nearby Words

overruff
overrule
overruler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

overrule

verb
over·​rule -ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
1
: to decide against
the judge overruled the objection
2
: to reverse or set aside (a decision or ruling made by a lesser authority)

Legal Definition

overrule

transitive verb
over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül How to pronounce overrule (audio)
1
: to rule against
the objection was overruled
compare sustain
2
a
: to rule against upon review by virtue of a higher authority : set aside, reverse
the appeals court overruled the trial court's decision
b
: to set aside as a precedent or guide
did not intend to overrule prior jurisprudence in that area
refused to overrule the landmark case
compare follow

More from Merriam-Webster on overrule

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