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

Toni Rudiger scored the winning spot kick as Madrid prevailed 4-2, but there was controversy after Julian Alvarez initially appeared to have scored his effort yet later had VAR overrule it for a double touch. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Driving the news: The court split 5-4 in denying the government's request to overrule the lower court decision after Chief Justice John Roberts issued a stay pausing Ali's order one week ago. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 5 Mar. 2025

Five years ago, the city tried to ban them but was overruled by the state. —Greg Allen, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025

The medical examiner’s office would automatically do an autopsy if foul play or criminality was suspected, but there is none, so the office did not overrule the family’s decision. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 27 Feb. 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