What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quash
Example
The government was able to quash the rebellion before it gained momentum. [quash: verb]
Example
The judge decided to quash the previous ruling and start fresh. [quash: verb]
nullify
Example
The contract was nullified due to a breach of terms. [nullified: past participle]
Example
The court nullified the election results due to evidence of fraud. [nullify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nullify is more commonly used than quash in everyday language, especially in legal contexts. Quash is less common and tends to be used in more formal or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quash and nullify?
Both quash and nullify are formal words that are often used in legal or official contexts. However, quash may have a slightly more formal connotation due to its association with legal jargon and specialized terminology.