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 Nullification involves a state invalidating with federal law; courts have consistently said states cannot do so. Molly Gibbs, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2025 This, Warden said, should invalidate the $22 million payment in 2021 because the creation of the bonds required approval by a supermajority of residents. Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025 By one estimate, 70% of the current NIL deals would be invalidated. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2025 But there is not necessarily any need to invalidate any of these elections in these jurisdictions. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Lethal injection is the only method of execution after firing squads were abolished in 2011.
    Reuters, NBC news, 26 June 2025
  • Beginning in the 1950s, between 20 million and 25 million households gained ownership of plots of land through the government’s scheme to abolish the colonial-era zamindari system of tax-collecting landlords.
    Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Tuesday that promises to reopen Panhandle beaches to the public, repealing a 2018 state law that allowed beachfront property owners to close off miles of local shoreline to residents.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • The Legislature previously swatted two attempts earlier this year to repeal that law and ban trans girls from sports.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Senate lawmakers from both parties clashed with Russell Vought, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, on Wednesday over the Trump administration's proposal to cancel billions in federal spending on foreign aid, public broadcasting and global health programs.
    Sonam Sheth Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • After four seasons, HGTV has cancelled Married to Real Estate, the home renovation series hosted by Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike Jackson.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • The measure is designed to overturn a series of executive orders by Trump, including banning transgender troops in the U.S. military and blocking transgender students from playing on girls’ sports teams.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
  • In May 2025, two people pleaded guilty for their roles in what prosecutors called a plot by Bravo to overturn his conviction.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Higher education consultant Tom O'Hare of Get College Going says that, at the very least, the practice nullifies the hard work a student and their family will spend searching for and applying for scholarships.
    Robert Farrington, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Massie’s reply appeared to reference Pence’s refusal to nullify the 2020 presidential election on Jan. 6, 2021, and comes amid his conflict with President Trump.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Giving up athletics had an impact on her body and changes were required to avoid injury.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Without an aisle, the box occupants must seat themselves in order from front to back to avoid climbing over one another.
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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