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 Smart & Safe Florida’s circuit-court lawsuit alleged that Byrd’s office improperly directed invalidating petitions collected by out-of-state petition gatherers during the period when the injunction was in effect. Jim Saunders, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026 But, while the après-ski is a highlight for many, ski insurance experts are also issuing a warning to holidaymakers to plan responsibly and only return to the slopes when alcohol has fully left your system to avoid invalidating your insurance - something which many travellers are unaware of. Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 Moore’s lawyers on Thursday filed a motion to quash his arrest warrant, hoping to invalidate it for the proceedings. Austin Meek, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2026 If discovered, the ticket will be invalidated, with remaining flight segments canceled or confiscated, including previously refundable tickets. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • In a similar move, Dissanayake's government abolished perks provided to former presidents in September in response to popular demand.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The holiday first made it to the states when French explorers settled in New Orleans, and the celebrations stuck until the Spanish gained control of Louisiana and abolished the carnival.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That means repealing private school voucher programs, protecting the separation of church and state, and keeping public funds in public institutions.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • This law, which includes stricter punishments for those who don't comply, repealed a 2001 ordinance on kite flying.
    Betsy Joles, NPR, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Airlines canceled flights and cultural events were postponed as Cuba endures its worst fuel shortage in years, harming tourism and the broader economy.
    Andrea Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
  • But with one principal calling football worse than bull fighting, high school games were cancelled in Kansas City in 1906 and 1907 and there was talk of replacing it with soccer football.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In 2022, the same court overturned a decision by Leon also dealing with military retiree jurisdiction.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Renewables are being deployed aggressively across much of the world even as the US, historically the world’s biggest emitter, overturned a landmark domestic climate ruling.
    Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This time, the quarrel between state and Hamilton County leaders is about language, slipped into a lengthy bill, that would nullify rental cap ordinances.
    Jake Allen, IndyStar, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Boyle has ideas for observations that could support (or nullify) his theory, which is called the CPT-symmetric (charge-parity-time-symmetric) universe.
    Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Avian influenza continues to cause significant mortality in wild birds, prompting the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to recommend avoiding contact with wild birds.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • During warmer months, when the path is crowded with tourists in leisure mode, anyone who walks with a purpose should avoid the Bridge at all costs.
    Katie James Watkinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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