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 Because changing the breed would invalidate the certificate and require revaccination, shelters typically only update breed information when necessary. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025 Those lawsuits could potentially invalidate the 25-year contract extension signed between the government and CK Hutchison in 2021 to keep operating the Cristóbal and Balboa ports. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 18 Aug. 2025 However, their aggressive roots eventually invalidated them for this purpose, although they are still used for windbreaks or privacy screens. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Aug. 2025 Unfortunately for the leagues, a little shoddy research on the part of some House interns doesn’t invalidate the HJC’s concerns. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • The Chinese leader, who assumed the presidency in 2013, abolished term limits in 2018.
    Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Bolsonaro and his allies are facing charges of leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to abolish Brazil’s democratic order by force, plotting a coup d’état, and committing violent acts against state institutions.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This June, the House voted to repeal laws that allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections and that barred the police union from negotiating on disciplinary measures against officers.
    Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2025
  • On Friday, Democrats called for a special legislative session to repeal the tax credit program, often referred to as school vouchers.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the last few years, Beyoncé, Pink, and Noah Kahan, among others, have had concerts canceled or delayed by extreme lightning, rain, or wildfire smoke.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2025
  • On social media, Marquette announced that all athletic events for the weekend would be canceled, and a special mass for the school community was held on Saturday afternoon.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Giuliani was disbarred in 2024 from practicing law in the state of New York and Washington, DC over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
  • While one vehicle crashed into a wall, another subsequently overturned, the MSS said in an earlier statement.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the third quarter, Masses had a 100-yard pick-6 nullified by a pass interference penalty.
    Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025
  • The move nullifies an extension quietly authorized by Biden before leaving office, which had granted Harris an additional year of protection beyond the standard six-month post-tenure period.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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