Synonyms of annul

annul

verb

ə-ˈnəl 

1

as in to offset

to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective

unfortunately, his arrogant attitude annuls the many generous favors he does for people

Synonyms & Similar Words

• offset
• correct
• neutralize
• counteract
• compensate (for)
• outweigh
• make up (for)
• cancel (out)
• counterbalance
• relieve
• nullify
• invalidate
• remedy
• negative
• counterpoise
• redeem
• negate
• overrule
• atone (for)
• redress
• neuter
• override
• outbalance

2

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action

plans to annul their short-lived, ill-advised marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abolish
• repeal
• cancel
• overturn
• nullify
• invalidate
• vacate
• rescind
• avoid
• abrogate
• revoke
• quash
• void
• dissolve
• withdraw
• dismiss
• suspend
• negate
• roll back
• abate
• disannul
• null
• strike down
• set aside
• veto
• reverse
• retract
• reject
• overrule
• do away with
• eliminate
• remove
• override
• forbid
• prohibit
• ban
• enjoin
• recall
• erase
• countermand
• abort
• disallow
• outlaw
• eradicate
• call off
• liquidate
• annihilate
• call
• drop
• write off
• throw out
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enact
• establish
• legislate
• found
• lay down
• institute
• legitimate
• validate
• permit
• ratify
• pass
• authorize
• approve
• allow
• legitimize
• legalize
• warrant
• order
• endorse
• prescribe
• formalize
• sanction
• clear
• command
• decree
• mandate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb annul differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of annul are abrogate, invalidate, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

How do abrogate and annul relate to one another?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

Where would invalidate be a reasonable alternative to annul?

While in some cases nearly identical to annul, 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 annul?

The words negate and annul can be used in similar contexts, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

When might nullify be a better fit than annul?

While the synonyms nullify and annul are close in meaning, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of annul

At the time, Lula was serving a prison sentence after being convicted on corruption charges, which were later annulled. —Max Rego, The Hill, 13 Nov. 2025

If the high court rules in the favor of the comptroller general who filed the suit, the port sale would be annulled. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Oct. 2025

Mignini had also faced allegations of abuse of office in 2006 for authorizing unauthorized wiretaps during the Monster of Florence investigation; he was convicted in 2010, but the ruling was later annulled. —Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 22 Oct. 2025

The Constitutional Court annulled the entire first round just days before the runoff. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025