nullify

verb nul·li·fy \ ˈnə-lə-ˌfī \

|Updated on: 7 Jul 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

See nullify defined for English-language learners

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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

The move, which was filed as a counterclaim in Breuder’s wrongful termination lawsuit against the college, comes after an appeals court ruled that Breuder deserved a chance to defend himself before trustees nullified his contract.

— stacy st. clair, chicagotribune.com, "College of DuPage sues former president for $25 million," 2 July 2018
All three paint manufacturers have contributed millions to the ballot measure in hopes of nullifying the court ruling.

— melody gutierrez, SFChronicle.com, "SF, others sue over ‘deceptive’ lead-based paint measure," 26 June 2018
The Bayern Munich star has become renowned as one of the most fearsome target men in world football, and Columbia’s defence must keep his attacking impact on Sunday’s match nullified.

— SI.com, "World Cup Preview: Poland vs Columbia - Recent Form, Key Battle, Team News, Prediction & More," 23 June 2018
The game got away late from Vernon Hills, but the Cougars (18-19) showed toughness and poise in nullifying Kaneland’s big-play capability until the sixth.

— patrick z. mcgavin, Aurora Beacon-News, "Hannah's heroics: Hannah Theobald scores three runs as Kaneland stops Vernon Hills in supersectional," 5 June 2018
Stewart’s fifth-graders did well enough on state standardized tests that teachers think the school might remain open even if the Democracy Prep partnership is halted or nullified, Potter said.

— alia malik, San Antonio Express-News, "Judge to rule on injunction that would halt charter takeover of Stewart Elementary," 1 June 2018
President Donald Trump pardoned black boxing icon Jack Johnson Thursday, posthumously nullifying the heavyweight champion's conviction handed down by an all-white jury for an interracial relationship more than 100 years ago.

— NBC News, "Trump grants posthumous pardon to black boxing champ Jack Johnson," 24 May 2018
On Wednesday, Ricci helped nullify four bogeys with three birdies, including two over the back nine to finish with a one-over 72.

— andrew j. campa, latimes.com, "Ricci, La Cañada boys’ golf shine at league finals," 2 May 2018
Most batters could nullify a shift with one or two bunt hits.

— scott ostler, SFChronicle.com, "A’s are different kind of warriors: drawing fans against the odds," 17 June 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

NEW! Time Traveler

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.