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 Haven and Imbelli were married for just over two weeks before filing papers to annul their union in 2024, according to People. — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 In May, a court of appeal annulled a 2023 party congress vote that appointed Ozel as CHP chair. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for annul

Recent Examples of Synonyms for annul

Verb

In theory, an onrush of investment in activities like chip manufacturing and data center construction could put upward pressure in general on consumer prices, unless the demand is offset by a new supply of goods and services.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Meanwhile, the natural beauty of the Golden State is offset by the graphic body horror of the whale’s innards, built on practical sets by production designer Ramsey Avery and lit by bioluminescence.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also gaining ground and wants to abolish the license fee that finances public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Although California had technically abolished slavery in its 1849 constitution, no legal authority troubled Smith about his human property.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

Persist toward Ithaca, but be prepared to correct your course as the winds and circumstances change.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Every hour spent sorting candidates, interviewing, onboarding, correcting course and starting over is time not spent leading the business.

— Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

Verb

The Greenwich Sentinel reported that at a recent forum, Democrat Jill Oberlander, candidate for the town’s 36th Senate District seat, said that the law should be amended or repealed, and stressed her support for community zoning authority.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
The Trades Council endorsed the campaign for repealing the law, according to Ballotpedia, while Schmidt spent heavily to defend it.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

The active ingredients neutralize the causes of odor, with full effect within 24 hours.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Nearly four hours were spent neutralized behind the safety car, with 16 cautions that prevented this year’s race from ever really developing a rhythm.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of neutralize

Verb

Classes, activities and athletic events across Bend-La Pine Schools are canceled tomorrow, the district announced.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
Ossoff last year also pressed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for canceling public health and environmental grants.

— Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

American norms about politics, science, education and law are being overturned, and artificial intelligence threatens further disruption.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz rejected Luster's attempt to overturn his convictions but granted him a new sentencing hearing.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of overturn

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“Annul.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/annul. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of annul

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