ultra vires

adverb or adjective

ul·​tra vi·​res ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ˌ)rēz How to pronounce ultra vires (audio)
: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority

Examples of ultra vires in a Sentence

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Opponents will likely argue that this order is ultra vires (beyond the President’s authority) and violates borrowers’ rights – including constitutional claims about free speech and equal protection for those targeted. — Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 These are ultra vires, unenforcible, unlawful subpoenas, and that committee should never have been formed. — ABC News, 5 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, beyond power

First Known Use

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultra vires was in 1793

Rhymes for ultra vires

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Browse Nearby Words

ultraviolet spectrum
ultra vires
ultrawide
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Cite this Entry

“Ultra vires.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultra%20vires. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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Legal Definition

ultra vires

adverb or adjective
ul·​tra vi·​res ˈəl-trə-ˈvī-ˌrēz, ˈu̇l-trä-ˈvē-ˌrās How to pronounce ultra vires (audio)
: beyond the scope or in excess of legal power or authority (as of a corporation)
the agency acted ultra vires
the agreement was ultra vires
compare intra vires
Etymology

Latin, beyond the power or means (of)

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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