overrule

verb

over·​rule ˌō-vər-ˈrül 

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

On paper, attorneys general can overrule its conclusions and presidents are not bound to follow its advice. —Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

State of play: Carter's emergency declaration temporarily overrules the council, suspending zoning regulations to allow FCC to begin using the site for garbage collection. —Kyle Stokes, Axios, 31 Mar. 2025

While all six of the Court’s Republicans showed sympathy with the broader project of expanding the Court’s power to overrule federal agencies, only three of them appeared likely to strike down the law that is actually at issue in Consumers’ Research. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 26 Mar. 2025

The cases seem destined for the high court, which could choose to overrule its own precedent. —Ella Lee, The Hill, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overrule

• minuscule
• molecule
• poiseuille
• reticule
• ridicule
• vestibule
• ampoule
• bascule
• carpool
• cesspool
• ferrule
• footstool

Kids Definition

overrule

verb

over·​rule -ˈrül 

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 

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