Definitions

abolition

[ab-uh-lish-uhn] / ˌæb əˈlɪʃ ən /

NOUN

formal act of putting an end to, annulling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abolishment abrogation annulment cancellation destruction dissolution elimination eradication nullification overthrow repeal revocation termination withdrawal

STRONG

annihilation end ending extirpation invalidation negation obliteration repudiation rescission subversion suppression voiding

WEAK

overturning quashing rescinding rescindment wiping out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

approval beginning construction enactment restoration start validation

STRONG

commencement opening

WEAK

confirmation establishment institution legalization promotion

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.

“The abolition of slavery did not come about only because of resistance on the part of the oppressed,” he finds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

To prevail over his political enemies in Paris, Robespierre, who was nicknamed the Incorruptible, abandoned his principled commitment to the abolition of slavery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

The Marquis de Condorcet and Jacques Pierre Brissot were Girondins who lost their lives in the Terror before the abolition of slavery, for which they had long campaigned.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

This has all the technical detail required to formalise the abolition of NHS England and the move of its functions to the Department of Health and Social Care.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

She enjoyed cultural events and “all sorts and sizes of meetings and lectures” on temperance, abolition, and other social reform movements.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing abolition

American History I

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The American Civil War

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Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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