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
Alessia Russo, whose 57th-minute header cancelled out Mariona Caldentey’s opening goal, has established herself as an elite goalscorer.
—
Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Generally speaking, McCarthy said, avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda, as the chemical reaction cancels out their cleaning power.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Some Democrats want states where their party is in control to redraw their House district lines and cancel out Texas' plans or gain their own advantage.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 22 July 2025
This involves placing a stamp or marking over the postage to cancel out its value, ensuring it can't be reused.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cancel out
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Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 27 July 2025
Generally speaking, McCarthy said, avoid mixing vinegar and baking soda, as the chemical reaction cancels out their cleaning power.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Some Democrats want states where their party is in control to redraw their House district lines and cancel out Texas' plans or gain their own advantage.
—Steve Inskeep, NPR, 22 July 2025
This involves placing a stamp or marking over the postage to cancel out its value, ensuring it can't be reused.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cancel out
Cite this Entry
“Cancel out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cancel%20out. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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