Definition of invalidatenext

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 Now thousands of test results have been invalidated, causing a national uproar. Gina Park, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026 Because to be able to identify the mechanism does not invalidate the mechanism. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Aug. 2026 The effect was to invalidate both China’s nine-dash line and its artificial island-building campaign—a massive blow to China’s national pride. Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026 Officials worried that some ballots were postmarked at processing facilities the day after they were dropped off at a post office, possibly invalidating them. John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Walker-Yeager, who ran on abolishing or significantly reducing residents and seniors’ property tax burdens, historic preservation and increasing the state minimum wage, had 124 votes.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The controversy intensified in June when the region’s Supreme Court ruled the seats are protected under the constitution and cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The other would direct lawmakers to repeal the state’s individual income tax while authorizing a state sales tax expansion.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The law change also said the FCC cannot repeal or modify the cap during its quadrennial reviews of media rules.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Last year, Kennedy canceled 22 vaccine development projects that use mRNA technology.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And his agency has canceled millions of dollars in funding for mRNA vaccine research.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Calls range from people accidentally slipping into the river and overturned kayaks to boating emergencies and people intentionally entering the water.
    Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • An overnight police chase in Miramar ended with a black SUV overturning into a Tesla dealership parking lot, injuring one and hospitalizing another, authorities say.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The plaintiffs are asking a judge to nullify the letters, as well as to force the city to take down the list of almost 1 million properties, though the information is already in the public record.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Daniel Pinter appeared to score the go-ahead goal for Miami in the 23rd minute after settling the ball with his chest and shooting from a tough angle, but the goal was nullified after a VAR review ruled offside.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The best way to avoid West Nile virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Kremer has allowed 12 home runs in seven starts this year, avoiding a home run in only one of those turns and ceding multiple homers in three of them.
    Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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