Synonym Chooser

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 The communist country's National Assembly passed a new amendment that nullifies families from having a two-child limit, according to state media. Nick Butler, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025 Once signed, the pardons would nullify the Chrisleys' convictions and eliminate the remaining prison time and financial penalties. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 If Tampa Bay capitalized at any point during that five-minute stretch, any chance of a Florida comeback would have been nullified. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025 The decision to disburse these funds unfolded under circumstances rarely discussed in public due to a confidentiality arrangement that, as far as I’m concerned, has been nullified by the cancellations. Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for nullify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nullify
Verb
  • Lethal injection is the only method of execution after firing squads were abolished in 2011.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 June 2025
  • Beginning in the 1950s, between 20 million and 25 million households gained ownership of plots of land through the government’s scheme to abolish the colonial-era zamindari system of tax-collecting landlords.
    Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • While the Trump administration has passed temporary waivers on those sanctions, known as the Caesar Act, they can only be permanently repealed by law.
    Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • But the bill that passed Congress on Thursday would repeal the part of the 2022 law that established the green bank and rescind money that hadn’t already been obligated to its recipients.
    Michael Phillis, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • Twenty-four flights have been canceled at DIA as of 4:30 p.m. A ground delay has been issued at DIA from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 8 July 2025
  • Here’s what should happen: If an accommodation provider cancels your reservation, which is what appeared to have happen, then Booking.com should have notified you as soon as possible — not three days before your trip.
    Christopher Elliott The Travel Troubleshooter, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The bill, which Gov. Mike Kehoe is expected to sign and would begin Aug. 28, would overturn sick leave provisions included in a ballot measure that Missouri voters approved last year.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • But the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned that decision last year.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • While the four firms have each successfully had the executive orders invalidated, other major firms have decided to enter into agreements with the president, seemingly to avoid being targeted themselves.
    Melissa Quinn June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
  • Ten Commandments law invalidated: On Friday, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that a Louisiana law requiring all public-school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional.
    Ella Lee, The Hill, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Without an aisle, the box occupants must seat themselves in order from front to back to avoid climbing over one another.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025
  • Giving up athletics had an impact on her body and changes were required to avoid injury.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nullify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/nullify. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on nullify

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