Synonyms

overrule

American

[oh-ver-rool] / ˌoʊ vərˈrul /

verb (used with object)

overruled, overruling

to rule against or disallow the arguments of (a person).

The senator was overruled by the committee chairman.
to rule or decide against (a plea, argument, etc.); reject.

to overrule an objection.
to prevail over so as to change the purpose or action.

a delay that overruled our plans.
to exercise control or influence over.

belief in a beneficent deity that overrules the universe.

overrule British

/ ˌəʊvəˈruːl /

verb

to disallow the arguments of (a person) by the use of authority
to rule or decide against (an argument, decision, etc)
to prevail over, dominate, or influence
to exercise rule over

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

overruler noun
overrulingly adverb
unoverruled adjective

Etymology

Origin of overrule

First recorded in 1570–80; over- + rule

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A major wild card is whether the Supreme Court will overrule some portion of the tariffs, and how the administration might respond.

From The Wall Street Journal

It overruled the judge’s order invalidating UCLA’s lease of a portion of the VA grounds for its baseball stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

The Delaware Supreme Court on Friday overruled External link the Delaware Chancery Court’s 2024 decision to void Musk’s 2018 pay package, which included some 300 million stock options.

From Barron's

The Saudis’ own advisers reportedly warned Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Kushner’s record did not justify such an investment, but the crown prince overruled them.

From Salon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023