ANNUL Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of annul are abrogate , invalidate , negate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action. // the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Q: How do 'abrogate' and 'annul' relate to one another?

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

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

While in some cases nearly identical to annul , 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 'annul'?

The words negate and annul can be used in similar contexts, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: When might 'nullify' be a better fit than 'annul'?

While the synonyms nullify and annul are close in meaning, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

annul

verb

ə-ˈnəl

Definition of annul

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective unfortunately, his arrogant attitude annuls the many generous favors he does for people

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action plans to annul their short-lived, ill-advised marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb annul differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of annul are abrogate, invalidate, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

How do abrogate and annul relate to one another?

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

a law to abrogate trading privileges

Where would invalidate be a reasonable alternative to annul?

While in some cases nearly identical to annul, 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 annul?

The words negate and annul can be used in similar contexts, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

When might nullify be a better fit than annul?

While the synonyms nullify and annul are close in meaning, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

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 annul So, with the goal annulled, Croatia’s time at the tournament has ended. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The commissioner of the New York State Education Department annulled the results of the Hempstead Union Free School District's May 19 trustee election and ordered a revote be held within 60 days. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Electoral authorities also dismissed a separate challenge filed by a private citizen seeking to annul votes cast in cities across the United States, France and Spain, citing similar procedural deficiencies, including lack of standing, late filing and nonpayment of fees. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 On May 21, the Turkish Court of Appeals annulled the party’s November 2023 results in order to restore a politician who was hostile to İmamoğlu. — Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for annul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for annul

Verb

Some industry experts have warned that the SPR will soon reach operational minimums soon, wiping out any further cushion to offset the oil deficit from the Middle East.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
That includes an increase in special education staff, offset by a reduction in other staff.

— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

This July, the EU enacted one of their demands, abolishing the customs duty exemption below €150 and introducing a temporary €3 duty per item.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
Others, like abolishing the Senate and Supreme Court, are more controversial and used by Republicans to hammer DSA candidates as out of step with the American mainstream.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

By contrast, Congress repealed federal restrictions and taxes on brewing beer for personal use in 1978.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
In 2022, Williams helped lead a group of residents to introduce and pass ballot measures that repealed three of El Dorado Hills’ LLADs.

— Haley Parsley August 28, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

Also on Sunday, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces downed or neutralized almost 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Emergency workers continued to extinguish fires and identify and neutralize explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, Zelenskyy added.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of neutralize

Verb

But if the stay is lifted or overturned, USPS would require states to submit lists of mail ballot recipients and get approval for envelope and ballot designs with individualized barcodes.

— Peter Weber, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
Bans can last five to 10 years, and some have been successfully overturned in court, lawyers say.

— Daniel Estrin, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of overturn

Browse Nearby Words

annuity

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annular

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“Annul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annul. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of annul

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