Synonyms of invalidate

invalidate

verb

(ˌ)in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt 

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action

those nations eventually invalidated their trade agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abolish
• repeal
• cancel
• overturn
• nullify
• avoid
• void
• negate
• vacate
• annul
• rescind
• abrogate
• revoke
• dismiss
• quash
• dissolve
• withdraw
• set aside
• null
• suspend
• roll back
• strike down
• abate
• reject
• reverse
• retract
• veto
• overrule
• override
• disannul
• do away with
• remove
• eliminate
• forbid
• prohibit
• recall
• erase
• ban
• abort
• countermand
• enjoin
• disallow
• call off
• outlaw
• eradicate
• call
• annihilate
• liquidate
• drop
• throw out
• write off
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enact
• establish
• found
• legislate
• lay down
• validate
• legitimate
• institute
• pass
• permit
• authorize
• allow
• approve
• ratify
• warrant
• endorse
• legitimize
• order
• prescribe
• legalize
• formalize
• clear
• command
• sanction
• mandate
• decree

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

Recent Examples of invalidate

Yes, Barrett and Roberts sided with the liberals in rejecting the Republican National Committee’s effort to invalidate state laws that accept mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

Earlier this year, courts also invalidated Democratic redistricting efforts in Virginia and New York that were aimed at the midterm elections, though Democrats could try again there before the 2028 elections. — ABC News, 29 June 2026

In 1996, a federal trial court in Mississippi invalidated Bible study classes taught in a rotation with music, physical education and library courses, plus another called A Biblical History of the Middle East. — Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 29 June 2026

If people believe regulatory caution invalidates every legal claim, courts may look irrational. — Alex Smolak, STAT, 27 June 2026