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 The ruling in a Colorado case is likely to invalidate similar bans in California and 23 other states. Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026 What the Conversion Therapy Ruling Means The Court’s ruling does not invalidate all conversion‑therapy bans. MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026 Although the Supreme Court invalidated some of the duties in February, the White House hopes to quickly replace them. Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026 If the amendment passes, the court could decide to invalidate the results based on the state constitution. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • Two weeks later, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returned from exile in Iraq and led a drive to abolish the monarchy and proclaim an Islamic government.
    Jeffrey Fields, The Conversation, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The clock ran out on a bill aimed at moving Georgia to a new time zone, ending supporters’ hopes of abolishing the chore of changing the clocks twice per year.
    Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In an effort to offset the costs, the bill repeals multiple tax credits, including those for teleworking expenses, electric and hybrid vehicles, and medical equipment manufacturers.
    Dan Raby, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Six months after Broward County’s Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) voted to repeal restrictions on remote virtual inspections, the transformation is becoming a reality.
    Ian Cohen, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Now that Sacramento County’s fiscal adviser has canceled the Sacramento City Unified School District board’s contract with a consulting firm, the district faces its budget crisis with fewer options and a ticking clock.
    Scott Lebar. Story produced with AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2026
  • At a time when festivals like Sol Blume, Goldensky and Breakaway have been cancelled or postponed, citing costs or unforeseen circumstances, Channel 24 credits the Sacramento community as the key to their success.
    Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Barcelona defender Gerard Martín was sent off in the second half but the decision was overturned by video review.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Segal had seven of 10 ABS challenges overturned that day.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Leafs also had two go-ahead goals disallowed, an own-goal off Joel Edmundson that was nullified for an offside entry and a strike from Robertson because Toronto had too many men on the ice.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • In 1992 a Nigerian bishop ordained three women as deacons, but the primate soon nullified those ordinations.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Takaoka played a long arcing ball-ahead to Ocampo, who avoided goalkeeper James Pantemis — who had charged off his line — and rolled a shot from the edge of the penalty area inside the back post and into a wide-open net.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster