Definitions

abolish

[uh-bol-ish] / əˈbɒl ɪʃ /

VERB

do away with or put an end to

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abrogate annul cancel dissolve eradicate nullify overthrow overturn prohibit put an end to repeal rescind revoke set aside stamp out suppress terminate wipe out

STRONG

abate annihilate destroy disestablish end erase expunge extinguish extirpate finish inhibit invalidate kill negate nix obliterate quash repudiate scrub squelch subvert supersede undo vacate vitiate void zap

WEAK

call off put kibosh on put the kibosh on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow approve create establish fix institute pass permit sanction validate

STRONG

aid assist bear begin build commence construct give birth help initiate keep revive save schedule set up start

WEAK

confirm continue enact legalize promote ratify support uphold

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These tolls provided up to two-thirds of the kingdom’s annual income; it took an international trade conference to finally abolish them in 1857.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The party says it would abolish business rates for all pubs, and is planning to set out more proposals to boost high streets in due course.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

And some lawmakers in North Carolina seek to follow suit: A bill introduced in the state Senate last spring seeks to abolish both homewrecker laws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The UK, which was one of the major slaving nations before going on to lead the fight to abolish the trade, has also repeatedly ruled out paying reparations.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“Or maybe abolish is the word. I hear talk of folks wanting to abolish slavery,” I said hesitantly.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing abolish

The Declaration of Independence

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List 1

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Life Is So Good

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