What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cancel
Example
I had to cancel my flight due to bad weather. [cancel: verb]
Example
The concert was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. [canceled: past tense]
rescind
Example
The government decided to rescind the controversial law. [rescind: verb]
Example
They rescinded their job offer after discovering the candidate's dishonesty. [rescinded: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cancel is more commonly used than rescind in everyday language. Cancel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rescind is less common and is typically used in more formal or legal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cancel and rescind?
While cancel can be used in both formal and informal contexts, rescind is more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts.