ABROGATE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abrogate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul , invalidate , negate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act. // a law to abrogate trading privileges

Q: When is it sensible to use 'annul' instead of 'abrogate'?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action. // the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Q: When could 'invalidate' be used to replace 'abrogate'?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness. // the court invalidated the statute

Q: When might 'negate' be a better fit than 'abrogate'?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: In what contexts can 'nullify' take the place of 'abrogate'?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

abrogate

verb

ˈa-brə-ˌgāt

Definition of abrogate next

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action the U.S. Congress can abrogate old treaties that are unfair to Native Americans

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abrogate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul, invalidate, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

When is it sensible to use annul instead of abrogate?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

When could invalidate be used to replace abrogate?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate are sometimes interchangeable, but invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

When might negate be a better fit than abrogate?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

In what contexts can nullify take the place of abrogate?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, 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 abrogate In many institutions, academic freedom has been threatened or abrogated. —

Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026 Short of that, perhaps internal resistance within the administration or pressure from the public and the media might serve the oversight function that Congress, over the past eight months, has abrogated. —

Douglas M. Charles, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 As the twentieth century progressed, Cuba managed to abrogate its versions of the Platt Amendment and establish new constitutions. —

Miriam Pensack, The Dial, 30 Sep. 2025 The launch arrangement between Northrop and SpaceX abrogates NASA's preference to maintain two independent means of delivering supplies to the space station. —

Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrogate

Verb

And actually one of his first public acts after signing the Constitution was to petition Congress to abolish slavery.

— Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 June 2026
Avila Chevalier’s campaign priorities also include abolishing ICE, adding affordable housing and securing federal funds to repair the city’s public housing.

— Joseph Strauss, Sun Sentinel, 1 June 2026