nullify

verb nul·li·fy \ ˈnə-lə-ˌfī \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

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Examples: nullify in a Sentence

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Definition of nullify

nullified; nullifying

transitive verb

1 : to make null (see ¹null 1); especially : to make legally null and void

nullify a law

2 : to make of no value or consequence (see consequence 3)

a promise later nullified

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Examples of nullify in a Sentence

The law has been nullified by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The penalty nullified the goal.

Recent Examples of nullify from the Web

But for the other listeners hoping for a work of Kanye West brilliance that would somehow nullify his controversies of the past few months, or even attempt to explain them, Ye will almost certainly disappoint.

— maeve mcdermott, USA TODAY, "Is Kanye West still a creative genius? Not on 'Ye,' his misguided new album," 4 June 2018
As such, the suing shareholders attempt to hold the Redstones liable for breaching the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing by using its position to nullify the share distribution provision through the bylaw amendments.

— eriq gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Shari Redstone's Grip on CBS Challenged in Shareholder Lawsuit," 31 May 2018
That appearance was her first after filing a lawsuit Trump in Los Angeles County Superior Court in an attempt to nullify a nondisclosure deal with Cohen days before Trump’s 2016 presidential victory.

— johnny diaz, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Stormy Daniels to perform at Miami Beach's Club Madonna," 10 May 2018
In a 234-175 vote, the House nullified 2013 guidance issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau aimed at preventing auto lenders from charging minorities higher fees when taking out car loans.

— San Antonio Express-News, "House votes to dismantle bias rule in auto lending," 9 May 2018
If successful, the lawsuit could nullify all decisions the current acting secretary makes.

— Anchorage Daily News, "VA medical system staggers as chaos engulfs its leadership," 5 May 2018
For one, various criticisms have been leveled about the 65-year, $1 billion NFL concussion settlement, leading to (thus far unsuccessful) attempts to nullify the settlement.

— michael mccann, SI.com, "Analyzing Ploetz v. NCAA, the First Legal Battle Over CTE to Reach Trial," 26 Apr. 2018
With Prosinečki scoring the other goal, Boban nullifying the Dutch midfield, and Štimac defending Croatia’s lead in the second half, the class of 1987 had delivered on their promised potential.

— SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 5 Weeks to Go Croatia Win Bronze Thanks to Their Golden Boy Davor Šuker," 19 May 2018
In 1978, after all, Jimmy Carter gave notice that the U.S. was going to withdraw from its 1954 Mutual Defense Treaty with Taiwan – thereby nullifying an agreement that had been so ratified.

— andrew rudalevige, Washington Post, "If the Iran deal had been a Senate-confirmed treaty, would Trump have been forced to stay in? Nope.," 9 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nullify.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

A legislature may nullify a ban, a law, or a tax by simply passing a new law. Election results can be nullified if a court finds the voting process was improper, and a court ruling can be nullified by a higher court. Even the Supreme Court itself may have its decisions nullified by new laws passed by the Congress—though not if a decision is based on the Constitution. In the years leading up to the American Civil War, Southern states claimed the right to nullify any federal law (such as antislavery laws) that they believed to be unconstitutional, leading to the Nullification Crisis of 1832. Annul is a close synonym of nullify (with the same root), as are abrogate and invalidate.

Origin and Etymology of nullify

Late Latin nullificare, from Latin nullus

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First Known Use: 1607

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

nullify Synonyms

Synonyms

abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void;

Near Antonyms

enact, lay down, legislate;

establish, found, institute;

formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate;

pass, ratify;

allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse (also indorse), permit, sanction, warrant;

command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe;

abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw;

ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit;

disallow, dismiss, reject;

annihilate, break down, eliminate, eradicate, erase, liquidate, remove, throw out, write off;

Phrases

do away with, set aside;

Synonym Discussion of nullify

nullify, negate, annul, abrogate, invalidate mean to deprive of effective or continued existence. nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.