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.

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

Hundreds of thousands of soldiers died in the conflict that followed, but the Union’s victory ensured reunification and slavery’s abolition nationwide.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

He indicates how later generations took the Declaration as an inspiration for their own causes, from temperance to women’s rights and the abolition of slavery.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 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

In her autobiography, Elizabeth described the discussions of abolition and women’s rights at Peterboro as “white hot.”

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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