ABOLISH Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

abolish

verb

ə-ˈbä-lish

Definition of abolish

as in to repeal

to put an end to by formal action the U.S. abolished slavery by constitutional amendment on December 6, 1865

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to eradicate

to destroy all traces of if only there were a way that we could abolish hatred and intolerance

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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 abolish There are calls not only to pack the Supreme Court or to ignore its decisions, but also to abolish the Senate and the Electoral College. — Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Trump and his supporters have repeatedly pushed Senate leaders to abolish the filibuster to pass the election bill, but there's also insufficient support to drastically change the chamber's procedures. — Dan Mangan,luke Fountain,kevin Breuninger,garrett Downs,ashley Capoot,justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026 In 1980, economist Milton Friedman said the National Institutes of Health should be abolished. — Scott Atlas, Washington Post, 2 July 2026 Many of its candidates support entirely eliminating immigration enforcement, abolishing the police, sweeping wealth redistribution and expanding government ownership over significant sectors of the economy. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abolish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abolish

Verb

The board voted unanimously to repeal the basement requirement.

— Jonathan Tower, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Voters rejected an attempt to repeal the gas tax in 2018, according to the governor’s office.

— Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

In 1980, smallpox became the first human disease ever eradicated worldwide.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
The rare partnership is giving the tribe an opportunity to introduce its language, history, culture that the federal government once tried to eradicate to soccer fans around the world.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Definition of eradicate

Verb

As aides at the Capitol were actively building a stage for the celebratory event, meant to communicate a big cost-of-living win to voters, the president abruptly canceled it.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The city council voting against a recommendation by its fire marshal to cancel the display.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Cabot paints, says refreshing these pieces should never erase the charm.

— Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
In order to safely accomplish the stunt, Cruise was attached via a wire that was later erased in post production.

— Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of erase

Verb

Tuesday’s ruling means the regulations cannot take effect unless the decision is overturned on appeal.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of destroy

Browse Nearby Words

aboil

abolish

abolished

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“Abolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abolish. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of abolish

verb

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