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

Examples of invalidate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The ruling by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin invalidated a law spearheaded by environmental justice activists and unanimously backed by the L.A. City Council in 2022. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 The court’s unanimous ruling marks the final decision after previous decisions invalidating their candidacy. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Sep. 2024 Its fate has been uncertain from the start, with opponents pursuing multiple pathways to try to invalidate it. Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024 Additionally, the proposed Farm Bill language could not only dismantle Proposition 12 but also invalidate other state laws protecting public health. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invalidate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invalidate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near invalidate

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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