Override vs. Overwrite
“Override” and “overwrite” can both involve replacing an existing result, but they describe different actions. “Override” commonly means setting aside or superseding a rule, decision, setting, or control; “overwrite” commonly means replacing existing stored information with new information.
Use “override” when one rule, choice, setting, or control takes precedence over another. Use “overwrite” when existing data or text is replaced by new material.
Key details
Further guidance
Boundary
The words can occur in the same technical workflow, but they are not interchangeable: changing which rule wins is different from replacing the underlying stored content.
Override Use
Use “override” when a higher-priority instruction, manual action, setting, or decision cancels or takes precedence over the normal one.
Overwrite Use
Use “overwrite” when new information is written in place of information that was already stored, especially in a computer file or storage context.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Override — Definition & Meaning (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Dictionary meanings of override, including setting aside or superseding an action, decision, or control
- Overwrite — Definition & Meaning (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Dictionary meanings of overwrite, including replacing information in a computer file