List of 426 Sets of Synonyms - How they Differ - Total of 2307 Words - 256

SYNONYMS: neutralize, negate, nullify, counteract.
These verbs mean to make something ineffective by or as if by applying an opposite or counterbalancing force.

Neutralize implies a state of ineffectiveness, inaction, or inoperativeness: The raising of interest rates neutralized the inflationary trend.
Negate and nullify suggest cancellation of validity, force, usefulness, value, consequence, or significance: Terror momentarily negated the effects of his injury. The [15th] Amendment nullifies sophisticated as well as simple-minded modes of discrimination.
Counteract frequently implies the opposition of forces thought of as being desirable and undesirable; it may suggest action taken as a corrective measure: The prime minister addressed the nation in an effort to counteract the damage the scandal had done to his credibility.