Veto powers are the ability to reject or prevent the passage of a proposal or legislation. Synonyms for veto powers include the authority to block, the power to nullify, the right to annul, the ability to quash, and the capacity to reject. The use of veto powers is a significant aspect of many governing bodies and is often associated with the role of the executive or head of state. While the use of veto powers can be controversial, they are designed to prevent potentially harmful legislation from becoming law. The synonyms for veto powers emphasize the important role they play in the governance of countries and organizations.