Phrase guide

cancel out

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To neutralize the effect of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • We can cancel the aberration out by adding another filter.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Of two or more things: to neutralize each other's effect.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Love and hate cancel out.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

wipe out the effect of something

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The new tax effectively cancels out my raise
  • The `A' will cancel out the `C' on your record

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: wipe out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: extinguish, eliminate, get rid of, do away with

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Italian: escludersi — to neutralize the effect of
  • Polish: znosić się wzajemnie — to neutralize the effect of
  • Polish: znieść się wzajemnie — to neutralize the effect of
  • Portuguese: anular — to neutralize the effect of