What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neutralize
Example
The chemical reaction was neutralized by adding a base. [neutralized: past tense]
Example
The vaccine works by neutralizing the virus in the body. [neutralizing: present participle]
nullify
Example
The judge nullified the contract due to a breach of terms. [nullified: past tense]
Example
The new evidence presented in court nullified the previous ruling. [nullified: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nullify is less common than neutralize in everyday language. Neutralize is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while nullify is more specific and is mostly used in legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between neutralize and nullify?
Nullify is more formal than neutralize. It is typically used in legal or official documents, while neutralize can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
