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

Lula’s previous corruption convictions were annulled in 2021. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

The Monitor's View Just before a big election, the top court annuls a ban on two Israeli Arab parties. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026

Lula was jailed on corruption and money laundering charges in 2018, but the Supreme Court annulled his convictions in 2021 on procedural grounds. — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026

Both had been on the board of the 48 Cantones of Totonicapán—one of the country’s oldest Indigenous self-governing bodies, in rural western Guatemala—when the attorney general’s office had moved to annul the vote. — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026