Synonym Chooser

How does the verb invalidate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of invalidate are abrogate, annul, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

How are the words abrogate and annul related as synonyms of invalidate?

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

a law to abrogate trading privileges

When is annul a more appropriate choice than invalidate?

The meanings of annul and invalidate largely overlap; however, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

When could negate be used to replace invalidate?

Although the words negate and invalidate have much in common, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

When can nullify be used instead of invalidate?

While the synonyms nullify and invalidate are close in meaning, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of invalidate Low voter turnout invalidated Chen’s referendum, and the opposition Kuomintang candidate beat the candidate from Chen’s Democratic Progressive Party in the presidential race. Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2025 The regulations were controversial and invalidated by the courts, but they were intended to discourage rollovers. Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Since then, it’s frequently been the target of litigation, starting in 1947 when the duo sued to invalidate DC’s ownership of the rights to Superman. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 25 Apr. 2025 My own experience and reality invalidated and denied, which in her heart today would be a very painful lament. Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Currently 20 states have passed laws that would abolish clock changes if they are given permission to do so by the federal government.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • Athletic Bilbao’s Estadio de San Mamés was full of tears of joy from Tottenham fans clad in white and players alike at the full-time whistle as the team abolished the reputation for not finishing big matches.
    David Close, CNN Money, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The conservative view Many conservatives are determined to repeal or at least delay and dilute most of the clean energy breaks.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2025
  • The judges rationalized that any special consideration for minors ended when the U.S. Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade and the Florida Supreme Court followed suit.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • But this sort of work would require close collaboration with Chinese researchers, at just the time when those collaborations are being scrutinized or canceled.
    Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 May 2025
  • Panama's comptroller general and attorney general are now seeking to cancel CK Hutchison's concessions to its two Canal Zone ports.
    Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Foreign universities want to hire them May 25, 2025 The suit also seeks to overturn the Trump administration’s 15% cap on indirect costs related to research, which universities say are critical to carrying out their work.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
  • The suit, which hopes to overturn the law, argues that the city’s ordinance violates the First Amendment and does not apply to other forms of speech, like a political candidate asking for support or a church member proselytizing.
    Vivienne Serret, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The high court decision, though, nullified his conviction and sentence.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • When the new administration took office, Trump Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem nullified this extension.
    The Editors, National Review, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Hoerner avoided the tag, which would’ve been the second out of the inning.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 26 May 2025
  • Taylor Clarke closed the door in relief to earn the save and help the Royals avoid a series sweep.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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