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

as in to abolish

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

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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 One offensive holding call nullified Emmett Johnson’s 4-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026 California billionaires have also contributed more than $100 million into campaigns to advertise the costs of this bill as well as back two rival measures (Propositions 41 and 42) that would nullify Proposition 40. — Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Delay also threatens to nullify the regulatory approvals that Defendants have already spent months securing. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026 Monterrey had three goals nullified and a penalty overturned by VAR in the loss to Orlando. — Michelle Kaufman august 7, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nullify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nullify

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

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

Verb

City officials asked people to avoid the downtown area where police are investigating the shooting.

— Michael Loria, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Some China watchers, however, are keeping their expectations low, as both sides appear to be more interested in avoiding moves that would risk their current trade truce.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of avoid

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“Nullify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nullify. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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