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 And these four friends—who all considered themselves serious scholars—wanted to find a way of invalidating his success. Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 The judge found that Anthem Blue Cross of California’s lawsuit failed to establish a legal basis for invalidating HaloMD’s arbitration wins against the company. Tara Bannow, STAT, 13 Apr. 2026 The dispute moved to federal court, where the club asked a judge to preserve the status quo and invalidate the association’s trademarks as fraudulently obtained. Jj Velasquez, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Apr. 2026 It will be used to invalidate our state laws and perpetuate a system of animal cruelty that predominantly serves the interests of factory farms. John Cleveland, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Abdul El-Sayed is gaining momentum in a divisive three-way Democratic primary with an uncompromising argument for clarity on progressive priorities — Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and ending US military aid to Israel.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Mejía, who is more progressive than Sherrill, campaigned on policies including abolishing ICE and raising taxes on the wealthy.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While Washington’s policies drive prices up, our state has lowered costs where the state has jurisdiction — by repealing the grocery tax and capping child care expenses.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • In New Zealand, a ban was adopted in 2022 but repealed in 2024.
    Marie Helweg-Larsen, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The agency has reportedly cancelled or delayed more than a billion dollars of grants for programs like school desegregation and disability services.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • In the video, Cardi B yelled at the top of her voice, threatening to cancel her concert.
    DeAsia Paige, AJC.com, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Detectives said a passerby found the 60-year-old man partially sitting in a wheelchair that was overturned.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Prior to his 2011 conviction, Jeffs was charged and convicted of being an accomplice to rape in September 2007 after coercing a 14-year-old to marry her 19-year-old cousin, though the ruling was later overturned by the Utah Supreme Court over faulty jury instructions, according to CBS News.
    Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Passage of the resolution would nullify the withdrawal and prevent a future presidential administration from restoring it.
    Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The play was nullified due to an off-sides call, but Johnson’s skill was evident.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Yankees will look to avoid its first series sweep Sunday with Cam Schlittler on the mound against Tampa Bay’s Drew Rasmussen.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The troop carrier planes became bogged down in the soil and had to be destroyed by the US to avoid them falling into enemy hands, while new planes were flown in.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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