invalidate

verb

in·​val·​i·​date (ˌ)in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
invalidated; invalidating; invalidates

transitive verb

: to make invalid
especially : to weaken or destroy the cogency of
invalidation noun
invalidator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for invalidate

nullify, negate, annul, abrogate, invalidate mean to deprive of effective or continued existence.

nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

Examples of invalidate in a Sentence

actions that will invalidate the contract The study invalidates earlier theories. factors that may invalidate the test results
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michigan’s win doesn’t invalidate Ohio State’s national championship, nor does Ohio State’s national championship erase the disappointment for Buckeyes seniors who went winless against Michigan in their careers. Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025 For example, Liebmann writes that liberals were not as concerned about excessive claims of judicial authority when judges invalidated conservative state laws. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025 Gateway Church said in its petition that Morris's contract was invalidated due to the accusations and criminal charges against him, relieving the church of any obligation to pay him. Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 In the end, the competition’s stakes are further invalidated when Yeo-ul lies and says that Motto and Jeongjae tied when really Jeongjae got more votes from the food influencers and judges. Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invalidate was in 1649

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invalidate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

invalidate

verb
in·​val·​i·​date (ˈ)in-ˈval-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
: to weaken or destroy the effect of
evidence invalidating their claim
invalidation noun

Legal Definition

invalidate

transitive verb
in·​val·​i·​date in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
: to make or declare invalid
invalidation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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