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
• indorse
• 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

Kirchner had, a year earlier, backed sanctions for clergymen who publicly opposed the government’s human rights policies, including his decision to annul laws pardoning dictatorship-era atrocities. —Federico Perelmuter, The Dial, 13 Mar. 2025

Romania's decision to annul the election, and this week's ban on Georgescu's candidacy in the redo, has been strongly criticized by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Elon Musk and Moscow. —arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025

Bucharest annulled the results of the first round of the election, opted for a rerun, and ordered a recount. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025

Last November, Romania’s constitutional court made the unprecedented decision to annul the first round of elections, which were led by Călin Georgescu. —The Editors, National Review, 4 Apr. 2025