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 next

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 Its stock has decreased more than 30% within a period of less than two months on two separate occasions in recent years, erasing billions in market value and nullifying substantial gains in a single correction. —

Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Selig also nullified a staff letter from Pham last fall cautioning operators to prepare for possible state action against them. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 29 Jan. 2026 Trevoh Chalobah slotting in at centre-back at half-time and Reece James shifting to right-back helped nullify that avenue in the second half. —

Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 However, courts nullified the FTC ruling on a technicality in July 2025–just days before it was set to go into effect. —

Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nullify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nullify

Verb

Hindley, Catherine’s elder brother, is abolished entirely — his vices reassigned to the father.

— Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Nexstar is seeking a waiver from the FCC from the 39% cap, while the agency is considering whether to raise that threshold or abolish it altogether.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of abolish

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nullifying

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“Nullify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nullify. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of nullify

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