nullify

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nullify" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to make something no longer legally valid or to cancel out the effect of something. For example, "The president nullified the law with his signature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Buffon went further, suggesting that the Barça strike force of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suárez was "the strongest in the world" although he hinted that the traditional qualities of Italian defending might be enough to nullify their threat.

The Guardian - Sport

In effect it destroys Tsvangirai's last hope of appealing to the southern African regional bloc to intervene and nullify the election.

The Guardian

"It's pretty hard for any organisation, no matter how independent, to effectively nullify the minister's approval," she said.

The Guardian

But ideally I would want to break up the pawn front to nullify any attacking threat, no matter how remote.

The Guardian - Sport

They are determined to make funding for the DHS contingent upon provisions that would effectively nullify executive orders signed by Obama that shield millions of undocumented migrants from the threat of deportation.

The Guardian

And in 1982 the court applied the same principle to nullify a Seattle ballot initiative banning busing to desegregate the city's schools.

The Economist

If voted into law, it will nullify the CRB's decision.

The Economist

"A few judges feel they have to nullify a very well-observed election that was certified by the international community.

The Economist

One of these would have allowed Arizona to nullify federal laws it did not like.The legislature last month voted against this package of bills after Arizona's business leaders, fearing for the state's reputation, lobbied against it.

The Economist

Opponents around the country vowed that they would eventually nullify the law through ballots and constitutional amendments.See articleThe Bush-Cheney campaign reached its goal of raising $200m double the amount it raised in 2000.

The Economist

New mutations arise that nullify the effect of existing drugs, and the thing takes off again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nullify", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made invalid or ineffective. For example, "The new evidence could nullify the previous verdict."

Common error

Avoid using "nullify" in casual conversations where simpler words like "cancel" or "undo" would be more appropriate. "Nullify" carries a formal tone and is best suited for legal, political, or technical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nullify" is as a transitive verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies making something legally invalid or counteracting its effect. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from legal agreements to strategic plays.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nullify" is a transitive verb that means to make something legally invalid or ineffective. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, "nullify" is best suited for formal or technical situations, and should be used thoughtfully in informal conversations where simpler words might be more appropriate. Understanding its subtle differences from synonyms like "invalidate" and "cancel" enhances precision in writing. Authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian demonstrate its correct application in real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invalidate

This term focuses on the act of making something legally or officially void.

annul

Implies a formal or legal cancellation, often of a marriage or contract.

void

Suggests making something without legal force or effect.

negate

Indicates the act of denying or refuting something, rendering it ineffective.

cancel out

Means to counteract something with an opposing force or effect, resulting in neutralization.

neutralize

Focuses on rendering something harmless or ineffective, often in a chemical or political context.

render void

Similar to "void", but emphasizes the process of making something invalid.

quash

Implies the forceful suppression or rejection of something, often a legal decision.

repeal

Refers specifically to the revocation or annulment of a law or regulation.

rescind

Means to revoke or take back something formally, such as an offer or agreement.

FAQs

How to use "nullify" in a sentence?

The term "nullify" is used to indicate making something invalid or ineffective. For instance, "The contract was "nullified" due to a breach of terms" or "The team tried to "nullify" their opponent's strategy".

What can I say instead of "nullify"?

You can use alternatives like "invalidate", "cancel out", or "negate", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "nullify" or "invalidate"?

"Nullify" and "invalidate" are often interchangeable, but "invalidate" typically refers to making something legally or officially void, while "nullify" can also mean to make something ineffective in a broader sense. For example, one could say "the law was invalidated" or "the defensive strategy was nullified".

What's the difference between "nullify" and "cancel"?

"Cancel" is a more general term for stopping something from happening or being valid, while "nullify" implies making something officially or legally invalid or negating its effect. You might "cancel" a meeting, but "nullify" a contract.