overrule

verb

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

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.
After reports that Slater opposed the settlement but was overruled by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Democrats seized on it as an example of political interference from Trump-supporting lobbyists. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025 Bae’s tentative ruling addresses several of the core issues raised by the city — among them Simonds’ secondary review of the signatures and ability to overrule the registrar of voters’ determination — and concluded in favor of the Association for the City of La Jolla. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2025 Any amendments that pass could be vetoed by Johnson and then, later, overruled by a council vote. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025 The administration argued in a Monday evening filing the second order should also be overruled given both lower court orders relied on the same legal reasoning. Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overrule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overrule. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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