cancel (out)

as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective unfortunately, this one indiscretion will cancel out a long record of accomplishment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cancel (out)
Verb
  • However, both services also saw an increase in the number of sign-ups during the month of September, which helped offset those nixing their subscriptions, according to data released Monday.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The walls, still pistachio, were now offset by two large aubergine sofas by the designer Athena Calderone.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His teachers corrected his posture and his hands; the angle of the arms and the way the wrist releases into the top of the drum, or drum head which usually is made from animal skin.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • This story has been updated to correct the officer's rank.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In coffee, a small amount of salt can neutralize bitterness by affecting certain taste receptors on the tongue without masking flavor the way sugar and cream can.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This old remedy does not chemically neutralize the odor, says Mengak.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Cancel (out).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cancel%20%28out%29. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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