What does "nullification" mean?
The act of nullifying; a rendering void and of no effect, or no legal effect.
Nullification
/ˌnʌlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of nullifying; a rendering void and of no effect, or no legal effect.
- Grammar: nullification is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abjuration, abjurement, abolishment, abolition.
- Useful contrasts: romanian act, swedish lag law, currently in force.
- Usage evidence: Mason and I had an entirely civil debate about the merits of nullification versus an official "apology" for what had been done to Oppenheimer. I argued that an apology was not sufficient and that nullification was required precisely to restore the integrity of the security-review system.
How to use "nullification"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "nullification" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "nullification" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "nullification" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "nullification" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abjuration" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of nullifying; a rendering void and of no effect, or no legal effect. countable, uncountable
"Mason and I had an entirely civil debate about the merits of nullification versus an official "apology" for what had been done to Oppenheimer. I argued that an apology was not sufficient and that nullification was required precisely to restore the integrity of the security-review system."
- 2 the act of nullifying; making null and void; counteracting or overriding the effect or force of something wordnet
- 3 The nullification crisis in U.S. history, confrontation between the state of South Carolina and the federal government in 1832–33 over the former's attempt to declare null and void within the state the federal Tariffs of 1828 and 1832. countable, uncountable
"He infused the threat with credibility, and the nullification movement fizzled, though Jackson also helped craft a compromise reduction in tariff rates to somewhat mollify South Carolinians."
- 4 the states'-rights doctrine that a state can refuse to recognize or to enforce a federal law passed by the United States Congress wordnet
- 5 Surgical removal of genitals (and sometimes nipples) as a form of body modification. countable, neologism, uncountable
"Surgeons talk about procedures that result in bodies that don't exist in nature: those with both sets of genitals – the "phallus-preserving vaginoplasty"; double mastectomies that don't have nipples; "nullification" surgery, where there are no genitals at all, just smooth skin."
Antonyms
Example
"Mason and I had an entirely civil debate about the merits of nullification versus an official "apology" for what had been done to Oppenheimer. I argued that an apology was not sufficient and that nullification was required precisely to restore the integrity of the security-review system."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "nullification"?
Common synonyms include: abjuration, abjurement, abolishment, abolition, abrogating, abrogation.
How do you use "nullification" in a sentence?
Mason and I had an entirely civil debate about the merits of nullification versus an official "apology" for what had been done to Oppenheimer. I argued that an apology was not sufficient and that nullification was required precisely to restore the integrity of the security-review system.
How do you pronounce "nullification"?
Pronounced /ˌnʌlɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Late Latin nullificatio, from nullifico, equivalent to null + -ification.