cancel out
phrasal verb
canceled out or cancelled out; canceling out or cancelling out; cancels out
: to reduce the effect of (something) : to be equal to (something) in force or importance but have an opposite effect
The costs cancel out the benefits.
Examples of cancel out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Howe adjusted with four substitutes early in the second half, and a 15-minute burst of form saw Anthony Gordon cancel out Marcus Tavernier’s opener, created by replacement Harvey Barnes.
—
Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
Although Solo didn't do this, the profits from Disney's other Star Wars movies more than canceled out its loss.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
The inability to land a superstar — and, in fairness, Zaidi did land Carlos Correa before the Giants called off the deal because of concerns raised by a physical examination — canceled out one of Zaidi’s strengths.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024
Pyles said Weihe's letter and their new friendship has completely canceled out all the hate mail, inspiring him to not only keep his Halloween display, but to expand it.
—Steve Hartman, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cancel out 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024
Although Solo didn't do this, the profits from Disney's other Star Wars movies more than canceled out its loss.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
The inability to land a superstar — and, in fairness, Zaidi did land Carlos Correa before the Giants called off the deal because of concerns raised by a physical examination — canceled out one of Zaidi’s strengths.
—Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2024
Pyles said Weihe's letter and their new friendship has completely canceled out all the hate mail, inspiring him to not only keep his Halloween display, but to expand it.
—Steve Hartman, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cancel out
Articles Related to cancel out
Dictionary Entries Near cancel out
Cite this Entry
“Cancel out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancel%20out. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share