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 Therefore, whereas modern mindfulness might diverge from older iterations of the concept and its connotations and practices, this fact does not automatically invalidate it as an outgrowth of the Buddhist tree. Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Apr. 2026 Once complete, those inquiries are expected to result in tariffs that are as high, or close to, the emergency duties that the Supreme Court recently invalidated. Lazaro Gamio, New York Times, 28 Apr. 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, 27 Apr. 2026 If so, that could invalidate the map voters narrowly approved Tuesday. ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Dreaded by some, dodged by others, and abolished by at least one executive entirely, quarterly earnings calls remain must-listen rituals for Wall Street and the business press, but not for most consumers or even rank‑and‑file employees.
    Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • Its refusal to abolish slavery placed it in a small club of holdouts, with Cuba and Brazil.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The directive repealed federal guidance that schools work to avoid racial disparities in school punishments.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • Szabo, the city administrative officer, issued a grim warning this week about the proposal heading to the November ballot that would repeal the city’s business tax, depriving the city of about $860 million per year.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Travelers across South Jersey were scrambling after the sudden shutdown of Spirit Airlines, a major carrier at Atlantic City International Airport, leaving flights canceled and raising concerns about the region's tourism economy.
    Eva Andersen, CBS News, 3 May 2026
  • The airline said on its website that all flights have been canceled and customer service is no longer available.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, a new study argues that the ancient impact likely came from north to south, overturning some earlier interpretations and potentially changing the scientific value of NASA’s future Artemis missions.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
  • The county plan, meanwhile, has been blessed at different times by other city boards, including the historic preservation board, the urban design review board and the City Commission, sometimes after initial denials were overturned by courts.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The goal was nullified because Hyman kicked the puck in, opening the door for the Ducks to pad their lead.
    Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 1 May 2026
  • Tech billionaires and business groups are spending millions to oppose the tax, citing economic concerns and threatening relocation, while a competing ballot measure could nullify the proposal if voters approve it.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Dodgers avoided their second shutout loss of the season and finally gave the crowd of 50,209 reason to cheer in the ninth when Andy Pages belted a two-run home run — his ninth of the season — off reliever Reynoldo Lopez.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • The Lakers will try to avoid being the all-too-likely 162nd.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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