Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

annul

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of annul

1 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 of annul

cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize, offset
Words Related to annul

invalidate, negate, neuter, nullify

atone (for)

outbalance, outweigh, redeem

redress, relieve, remedy

override, overrule
2 to put an end to by formal action
  • plans to annul their short-lived, ill-advised marriage
Synonyms of annul

abate, abolish, abrogate, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void
Words Related to annul

countermand, override, overrule, overturn, veto

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 Synonymous with annul

do away with, set aside
Near Antonyms of annul

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

Synonym Discussion of annul

nullify, negate, annul, abrogate, invalidate mean to deprive of effective or continued existence. nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.
    • a penalty nullified the touchdown
negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.
    • the arguments negate each other
annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.
    • the treaty annuls all previous agreements
abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.
    • a law to abrogate trading privileges
invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.
    • the court invalidated the statute

Learn More about annul

  1. See words that rhyme with annul Dictionary: Definition of annul Spanish Central: Translation of annul Nglish: Translation of annul for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of annul for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up annul? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

auxiliary

Listen to the pronounciation of auxiliary

providing supplementary assistance

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. gerrymander, gerrymandering Supreme Court oks extreme redistricting

  2. concentration camp Debate over detentions drives searches

  3. animus AOC discusses impeachment

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games