ABOLISH Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

abolish

verb

ə-ˈbä-lish

Definition of abolish

as in to repeal

to put an end to by formal action the U.S. abolished slavery by constitutional amendment on December 6, 1865

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to eradicate

to destroy all traces of if only there were a way that we could abolish hatred and intolerance

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of abolish In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also gaining ground and wants to abolish the license fee that finances public broadcasters ARD and ZDF. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026 Although California had technically abolished slavery in its 1849 constitution, no legal authority troubled Smith about his human property. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 The administration initially talked about abolishing the agency, arguing that states and communities could deal with disasters on their own. — Dana R. Fisher, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Twenty-three states have abolished it, and three besides California have a moratorium. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abolish

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abolish

Verb

The referendum on whether to repeal that requirement happens six days later.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Also on the state’s ballot is an initiative to repeal that system.

— Nicholas Riccardi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

The campaign that originally eradicated screwworm relied on what’s known as the sterile insect technique.

— Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Stoett argues that if a market is used to encourage removal, the commercial activity should exist because the species needs to be reduced, contained, or eradicated—not because the goal is to establish a sustainable fishery for that species.

— Victoria Malloy, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of eradicate

Verb

Yet those strengths may not be enough to overturn the structural advantages enjoyed by Moscow and Beijing, said experts.

— Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Bolsonaro also called for amnesty for his father, Jair Bolsonaro, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest after being found guilty of plotting a coup to overturn his defeat in the 2022 election.

— Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of overturn

Verb

Cities outside Paris have been hit hard by the unrest, including Limoges where a fire nearly destroyed the 19th-century city hall.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Animal diseases also threaten our economy and food system, destroying more than 20% of global livestock production each year.

— Robert Kelly, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of destroy

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aboil

abolish

abolished

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Style

“Abolish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abolish. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abolish

verb

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