cancel out

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

Aided by United States intelligence, Austrian authorities were able to arrest him and two other suspects linked to the plot before the attacks could be carried out, but the concerts were still canceled out of caution for public safety. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2026

In the return match at CPKC Stadium, the Current came from behind as a Haley Hopkins goal canceled out an opener from Taylor Suarez in a 1-1 draw in August. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026

With an air conditioner running nearby at volumes that are comfortable for extended periods, only some of the lower droning vibration was cancelled out. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026

Lichtenstein’s dynamic style is ubiquitous by now—as are his professional sheen and finish—but that doesn’t cancel out his winning charm, which, like most charm, can warm you up or wear you out. — Hilton Als, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for cancel out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout