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

Faced with the possibility that a candidate backed by Russia might capture the presidency and possibly overturn Romanian democracy, the Constitutional Court took the unprecedented step of annulling the entire election and ordering it to be rerun from scratch. —Veronica Anghel, Foreign Affairs, 21 May 2025

The election comes five months after the result of the original vote, which saw former far-right outsider Calin Georgescu surge in popularity, was annulled over allegations of Russian interference. —Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 19 May 2025

The fine in the advertising case was annulled, although the European Commission may still appeal. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 May 2025

His detention came a day after a university annulled his degree, which if upheld would block him from running for president under constitutional rules that require candidates to have a four-year degree. —Reuters, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025