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Synonyms

overrule

American  
[oh-ver-rool] / ˌoʊ vərˈrul /

verb (used with object)

overruled, overruling
  1. to rule against or disallow the arguments of (a person).

    The senator was overruled by the committee chairman.

  2. to rule or decide against (a plea, argument, etc.); reject.

    to overrule an objection.

  3. to prevail over so as to change the purpose or action.

    a delay that overruled our plans.

  4. to exercise control or influence over.

    belief in a beneficent deity that overrules the universe.


overrule British  
/ ˌəʊvəˈruːl /

verb

  1. to disallow the arguments of (a person) by the use of authority

  2. to rule or decide against (an argument, decision, etc)

  3. to prevail over, dominate, or influence

  4. 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.

Permission was granted last year for the site at South Drumboy farm in Kilmarnock, after the Scottish government ministers overruled environmental objections.

From BBC

But a judge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court overruled this, stating the council ignored evidence proving Marsh was a suitable keeper.

From BBC

In rare cases they can overrule the results of an assessment if they still have concerns about a player's performance in it or there was an error in administering it.

From BBC

They can also overrule parliament’s upper house if the two chambers clash on legislation.

From The Wall Street Journal

With her new coalition partners, Ms. Takaichi will have a two-thirds majority that will be able to overrule opposition in the weaker upper house.

From The Wall Street Journal