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 The plaintiffs also seek a ruling, requiring the NCAA to invalidate and revise all records and titles that were based on the results of competitions that allowed transgender athletes to participate. Rebekah Riess, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 In fact, Johnson argued, their oath to the Constitution required them to invalidate these electors. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2024 If too many signatures are invalidated to qualify for the ballot, the county’s charter allows recall organizers 10 additional days to make up that gap. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 Although specific terms were not disclosed, the settlement to resolve Presley’s petition to invalidate her late daughter’s will touches on her name, image and likeness rights. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2024 The city appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, which upheld the district court's finding that the Cruel and Unusual Punishments Clause invalidates Grants Pass' public-camping ordinances. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2024 In Oklahoma, the American Civil Liberties Union is suing, asking courts to invalidate laws that limit what teachers can say about gender in schools, restrict which restrooms LGBTQ students can use and ban gender-affirming health care for adolescents. Tyler Kingkade, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2024 Will redistricting commission appeal order invalidating metro Detroit maps? Detroit Free Press, 22 Jan. 2024 Indigenous groups declared a national strike in October to protest the actions seeking to invalidate his election. Mary Beth Sheridan, Washington Post, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invalidate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invalidate was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near invalidate

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invalidate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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