What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abolish
Example
The government decided to abolish the death penalty. [abolish: verb]
Example
The company decided to abolish its outdated policies. [abolishing: gerund or present participle]
repeal
Example
The government decided to repeal the tax increase. [repeal: verb]
Example
The company decided to repeal its dress code policy. [repealing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Repeal is more commonly used than abolish in legal or regulatory contexts. However, abolish is more commonly used in the context of social or political issues.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abolish and repeal?
Both abolish and repeal are formal words that are typically used in official or legal contexts. However, abolish may be considered more formal due to its stronger connotation of permanence and finality.
