How to Say "to cancel" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to cancel” is “anular” — use 'anular' when you need to cancel something that was previously arranged or scheduled, such as appointments, reservations, or formal plans..
anular
/ah-noo-lar//anuˈlaɾ/
Examples
Tuve que anular mi cita con el médico.
I had to cancel my doctor's appointment.
El árbitro decidió anular el gol.
The referee decided to disallow the goal.
El tribunal puede anular el contrato si hay errores.
The court can nullify the contract if there are errors.
Anular vs. Cancelar
While both mean 'to cancel,' 'anular' often implies making something void as if it never existed (like a contract or a goal), whereas 'cancelar' is more common for stopping a scheduled event.
Using the Past Participle
You can use 'anulado' as a description. For example, 'El vuelo está anulado' (The flight is cancelled).
The 'Delete' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'anular' when you mean to delete a file on a computer.”
Correction: Use 'borrar' or 'eliminar' for computer files; 'anular' is for plans or legalities.
suspender
/soos-pen-DEHR//suspenˈdeɾ/
Examples
Han suspendido el partido por la lluvia.
They have cancelled the game because of the rain.
El servicio de trenes ha sido suspendido temporalmente.
The train service has been temporarily suspended.
Tuvieron que suspender la reunión a última hora.
They had to call off the meeting at the last minute.
Suspender vs. Cancelar
While often used interchangeably, 'suspender' implies a temporary stop or a delay, whereas 'cancelar' sounds more permanent.
Confusing with 'Suspending' physically
Mistake: “Quiero suspender mi suscripción.”
Correction: Quiero cancelar mi suscripción. Use 'suspender' for events or official processes, 'cancelar' for services or memberships.
abortar
/ah-bor-TAR//aβoɾˈtaɾ/
Examples
El capitán tuvo que abortar el despegue en el último segundo.
The captain had to abort the takeoff at the last second.
Tuvimos que abortar el plan porque empezó a llover.
We had to call off the plan because it started raining.
El sistema abortó la instalación automáticamente por un error.
The system aborted the installation automatically due to an error.
Using 'lo' with abortar
In Spanish, when you abort 'it' (a plan or mission), you must put the word 'lo' or 'la' before the verb, like 'Lo abortaron' (They aborted it).
It's perfectly regular
Unlike many common Spanish verbs, this one follows the standard -ar pattern exactly. You don't need to worry about any hidden spelling changes.
Misusing 'cancelar'
Mistake: “Using 'cancelar' for a rocket launch that has already started its countdown.”
Correction: Use 'abortar' when a process is already in motion and needs to be stopped suddenly.
suprimir
/soo-pree-MEER//supɾiˈmiɾ/
Examples
El ayuntamiento va a suprimir el tráfico en el centro.
The city council is going to eliminate traffic in the center.
Han decidido suprimir los exámenes finales este año.
They have decided to get rid of final exams this year.
Es necesario suprimir los gastos innecesarios.
It is necessary to eliminate unnecessary expenses.
Perfectly Regular
This verb follows the exact pattern of 'vivir.' You don't need to worry about any unexpected spelling changes or stem shifts.
Removing objects vs. deleting files
Mistake: “Suprimir el archivo.”
Correction: Borrar el archivo.
Anular vs. Suspender
Related Translations
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