STRIKING DOWN Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

striking down

verb

present participle of strike down

as in abolishing

to put an end to by formal action a law that was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as unconstitutional

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Recent Examples of striking down The case could be understood, then, as a straightforward matter of striking down state laws that violated a national one. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 O’Connor ruled that historical firearm tradition supports striking down the rule, as mandated by recent Supreme Court precedent that asks courts to consider American history when determining the constitutionality of gun laws. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 19 Aug. 2026 Lawyers for the families argue that the 5th Circuit – the most conservative appeals court in the country – flouted the Supreme Court’s 1980 decision striking down a Kentucky law that’s nearly identical to Texas’ requirement. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 The high court dealt Trump both of the losses during the term that ended in June, striking down his executive order to end birthright citizenship and blocking his attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. — Isaac Arnsdorf, Washington Post, 7 Aug. 2026 The 2024 ruling striking down the law as unconstitutional had been on hold pending appeal, so Wednesday’s reversal does not change the status quo. — ABC News, 29 July 2026 The 2024 ruling striking down the law as unconstitutional had been on hold pending appeal, so Wednesday's reversal does not change the status quo. — CBS News, 29 July 2026 The court dealt Trump a major defeat in February by striking down his sweeping worldwide tariffs. — Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026 Either way, in striking down the Louisiana voting map as a racial gerrymander, this outcome could influence how other states defend or challenge maps, too. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for striking down

Verb

Other positions of the Democratic Socialists of America party that have come under fire in the 2026 election cycle have included abolishing the Senate, closing prisons, and having corporations become owned by the government.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Sep. 2026
Karishma Manzur, a medical scientist and first-time candidate, supported Medicare for All and abolishing ICE while declining money from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of abolishing

Verb

On his 71st birthday, Pope Leo XIV gave Vatican workers a raise, repealing pandemic-era salary cuts and frozen pay hikes first imposed under Pope Francis to shore up finances.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
The Council earlier this month approved an ordinance repealing a July measure that directed the city manager to assess living conditions at the apartments and make emergency repairs.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of repealing

Verb

Some earlier assassins expected it of themselves, canceling plots that would have killed bystanders.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
While Sheik sought treatment for alcohol addiction after canceling a tour in 2011, his stage and studio career never slowed.

— Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of canceling

Verb

Lawmakers from both parties seemed eager at the beginning of the session to institute changes ranging from moratoriums on new developments to rolling back the lucrative tax breaks the state offers to lure facilities to Georgia in the first place.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Now his administration is rolling back limits on power plant emissions, attempting to open the California coast to more oil drilling and sabotaging the state’s ambitious goals on emission controls and electric vehicle conversion.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of rolling back

Verb

There are also ways to protect against mosquito bites, including insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, avoiding outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, and wearing loose fitting long sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
The discussions point to more incremental progress in avoiding an escalation of tensions in a delicate trade relationship that has major consequences for the global economy.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of avoiding

Verb

As well as overturning the 2024 standards, the EPA is proposing to roll back its authority to regulate climate pollution from power plants.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Kavanaugh wrote an opinion in 2012 overturning the terrorism conviction of a driver and bodyguard for Osama bin Laden.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026