NULLIFY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'nullify' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nullify are abrogate , annul , invalidate , and negate . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

Q: How are the words 'abrogate' and 'annul' related as synonyms of 'nullify'?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act. // a law to abrogate trading privileges

Q: When could 'annul' be used to replace 'nullify'?

The words annul and nullify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action. // the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Q: Where would 'invalidate' be a reasonable alternative to 'nullify'?

While in some cases nearly identical to nullify , invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness. // the court invalidated the statute

Q: When is it sensible to use 'negate' instead of 'nullify'?

The synonyms negate and nullify are sometimes interchangeable, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

nullify

verb

ˈnə-lə-ˌfī

Definition of nullify next

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action the constitutional amendment that nullified Prohibition

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb nullify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nullify are abrogate, annul, invalidate, and negate. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

How are the words abrogate and annul related as synonyms of nullify?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

When could annul be used to replace nullify?

The words annul and nullify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Where would invalidate be a reasonable alternative to nullify?

While in some cases nearly identical to nullify, invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

When is it sensible to use negate instead of nullify?

The synonyms negate and nullify are sometimes interchangeable, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of nullify The Justice Department earlier Friday notified Judge Cannon of their intent to appeal her injunction in an effort to nullify the three-day restriction. —

Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 10 Jan. 2025 But the Prototype Festival has long nullified preconceived notions of the genre. —

The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025 What's Next Austin could escalate his attempt to nullify the plea agreements to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Last season’s playoff series was fraught with close endings, some instant iconography and an orange current that nullified Philly’s home court. —

Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nullify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nullify

Verb

About a quarter century after slavery was abolished in Puerto Rico (1873), another Afro-Puerto Rican genre emerged known as the plena.

— Vanessa Diaz, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2025
Trump said in December that the debt ceiling should be abolished, a position shared by some liberal lawmakers.

— Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025