zero out
phrasal verb
zeroed out; zeroing out; zeroes out
US
1
: to reduce the amount of (something) to zero
Be sure to zero out the account before you switch banks.
2
: to remove (something) completely
This program will be zeroed out in the budget for next year.
New legislation will zero out further funding for the project.
Examples of zero out in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Wisconsin, federal budget cuts so far this year have zeroed out three of the nine Protection and Advocacy grants supporting people with disabilities, from accessing voting polls, employment opportunities, and workplace accommodations.
—
Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 30 Sep. 2025
This year, West Ada will receive $33.4 million from this fund — and district officials say that should be enough to zero out the cost of its supplemental and plant facilities levies.
—Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
Too bad that, here in 2025, the mission has already been zeroed out for funding by the current administration.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
The popular YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano gave the record a zero out of ten; Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the most disappointing albums of all time.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zero out
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.
Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 30 Sep. 2025
This year, West Ada will receive $33.4 million from this fund — and district officials say that should be enough to zero out the cost of its supplemental and plant facilities levies.
—Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
Too bad that, here in 2025, the mission has already been zeroed out for funding by the current administration.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025
The popular YouTube music critic Anthony Fantano gave the record a zero out of ten; Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the most disappointing albums of all time.
—Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zero out
Cite this Entry
“Zero out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zero%20out. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share