Synonyms of nullify

nullify

verb

ˈnə-lə-ˌfī 

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action

the constitutional amendment that nullified Prohibition

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abolish
• repeal
• cancel
• overturn
• invalidate
• avoid
• negate
• annul
• abrogate
• void
• rescind
• vacate
• quash
• dissolve
• dismiss
• revoke
• withdraw
• suspend
• set aside
• null
• strike down
• roll back
• abate
• reverse
• reject
• veto
• disannul
• eliminate
• overrule
• retract
• override
• remove
• do away with
• forbid
• prohibit
• recall
• ban
• erase
• countermand
• abort
• enjoin
• disallow
• eradicate
• outlaw
• annihilate
• call off
• call
• liquidate
• drop
• write off
• throw out
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enact
• establish
• found
• legislate
• lay down
• legitimate
• validate
• institute
• pass
• permit
• approve
• ratify
• allow
• authorize
• legitimize
• warrant
• legalize
• endorse
• order
• prescribe
• formalize
• clear
• sanction
• command
• mandate
• indorse
• decree

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb nullify differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of nullify are abrogate, annul, invalidate, and negate. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

How are the words abrogate and annul related as synonyms of nullify?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

When could annul be used to replace nullify?

The words annul and nullify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Where would invalidate be a reasonable alternative to nullify?

While in some cases nearly identical to nullify, 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 nullify?

The synonyms negate and nullify are sometimes interchangeable, but negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nullify

Judges might nullify the provision in new cases by setting bond at a token $1, but the administration surely would challenge that. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025

His contract extension with Liverpool means top-flight defenders are set to be haunted by the thought of nullifying his skills until at least 2027. —Gregg Evans, New York Times, 21 May 2025

In essence, the Court is saying its order only cancels Judge Chen’s attempt to prevent Noem from nullifying TPS as a matter of general policy. —The Editors, National Review, 20 May 2025

The show opens as Murderbot successfully hacks and nullifies his Governor’s Module. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 16 May 2025