OVERRULE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

overrule

verb

Definition of overrule

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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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 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 The administration then asked the Supreme Court to overrule them. — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 Then on Wednesday, Dino overruled his colleague and restored the two senior police officials to their posts. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026 But in 2024, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals overruled the administrator, approving the special use permit for the shop by a 3-2 vote. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for overrule

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overrule

Verb

But right-wing parties that would need to be part of his coalition could reject that option.

— Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Human Rights Watch said those expulsions amounted to war crimes, a charge that Israel rejects.

— Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

Ben-Gvir dismisses concerns that such policies would cement Israel’s status as a pariah state.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Lower courts had dismissed the case because Asian American students were not underrepresented at the magnet schools compared with the pool of students that applied.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Verb

This month, it was denied access to the plane for a trip to Georgia and Florida.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
In response, Amy Helm accused Parillo of financial exploitation and elder abuse of Sandra Helm in a June court filing; Parillo denied those charges.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

On Monday, Chinese manufacturer Kepuni Holdings withdrew plans for a Nasdaq listing that had been expected to raise $15 million.

— Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
In these situations, withdrawing into a literal or symbolic dark room—avoiding sources of stress and going to a safe place—can be adaptive in the short term.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of withdraw

Browse Nearby Words

overrode

overrule

overruled

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“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overrule. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of overrule

verb

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