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 Toxic positivity combines a belief that being optimistic will change an outcome with attempts to deny, minimize, and invalidate what teams are experiencing. Mita Mallick, Big Think, 30 Sep. 2025 The state Supreme Court invalidated the 1849 law in July. Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Instead of using her platform to argue with her detractors, Reese made a countermove that simultaneously shored up her own brand by amplifying her commitment to societal change, and invalidated the critique. Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 In a separate argument, Keller noted that by the time Senate Bill 4 was enacted, Louisville’s ban had already been in effect for months, and the bill did not contain any language invalidating Louisville’s ordinance. Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • That uneven use of the death penalty is one of the reasons advocates want to abolish it.
    Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Additionally, individual states can’t decide to abolish the practice without Congressional approval.
    Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Months after Missouri lawmakers passed a sweeping incentives package for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, voters across the state could have a chance to repeal it.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Gay people could not openly serve in the military until Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed in 2011.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The brand canceled the show indefinitely in 2019 amid controversy surrounding representation and inclusivity.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, the letter calls on Congressional support for the European Union to overturn its ban on Sulfuryl Fluoride, a pesticide used to fumigate Southern Yellow Pine wood chips on breakbulk cargo ships.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The British Library overturned its initial decision by issuing Wilde’s proxy a new card in his name.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As a result, the quick slants and the effective rushing attack largely nullified the Steelers’ pass rush, limiting them to just two sacks and no takeaways.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Justice Elena Kagan asked Nelson what the results would be if the court were to nullify or otherwise limit the redistricting provision of the federal law.
    Nina Totenberg, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For those affected, avoiding even trace amounts of eggs is essential, making accurate labeling critical.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025
  • For less hustle and bustle, busiest avoid traveling Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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