annulling
Making legally invalid
Annulling is declaring something legally void, as though it never existed.
Courts annul marriages, contracts, or laws—not merely ending them but erasing their legal effect: The church granted an annulment, annulling the marriage entirely.
The word implies authoritative cancellation rather than simple termination.
Nullifying or emptying
- nullifyingMaking of no effect
- invalidatingMaking something null
- revokingOfficially canceling authorization
- rescindingFormally canceling or withdrawing
vacating · quashing · abrogating · overturning · repealing · countermanding · setting aside · striking down
Bringing to an end
- withdrawingRemoving or pulling away
- retractingWithdrawing a statement
- discontinuingEnding ongoing activity
- stoppingCeasing to continue
ending · halting · suspending · calling off · undoing · reversing · negating · neutralizing
Removing completely from existence
- obliteratingDestroying beyond recognition
- wiping outDestroying completely
- effacingRemoving from view
- eradicatingRemoving completely and permanently
removing · purging · deleting · clearing · extinguishing · blotting out · erasing
Legal end of matrimony
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- separationState of being apart
- invalidationAct of nullifying
- nullityComplete absence or invalidity
decree absolute · bigamy · impediment · consanguinity · non-consummation
voiding
Nullifying or emptying
- nullifyingMaking of no effect
- invalidatingMaking something null
- revokingOfficially canceling authorization
rescinding · vacating · quashing · abrogating · overturning · repealing · countermanding · setting aside · striking down · reversing
terminating
Bringing to an end
- withdrawingRemoving or pulling away
- retractingWithdrawing a statement
- discontinuingEnding ongoing activity
stopping · ending · halting · suspending · calling off · undoing · reversing · negating · neutralizing · canceling
expunging
Removing completely from existence
- obliteratingDestroying beyond recognition
- wiping outDestroying completely
- effacingRemoving from view
eradicating · removing · purging · deleting · clearing · extinguishing · blotting out · erasing
divorce
Legal end of matrimony
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
- separationState of being apart
- invalidationAct of nullifying
nullity · decree absolute · bigamy · impediment · consanguinity · non-consummation
- reversalsreverse, undo, revert, overturn, flip
- Replacement termsreplacing, supplanting, displacing, swap, switch
annullingratifying
Formally validating an agreement
validating · enacting · confirming · sanctioning · legalizing
annullingreinstating
Returning to previous position
restoring · renewing · prolonging · perpetuating · extending