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 judge also invalidated the appointment of the current ACIP, all votes taken by it, and further meetings, until a trial. Jesse L. Goodman, STAT, 18 May 2026 If the court decides to return the case to the federal government, the move could invalidate environmental licenses granted in 2025 to Belo Sun by the state of Para. ABC News, 18 May 2026 The next legal issue may be, if the Mountain West can’t meet its obligations to current members, does that invalidate the grant of rights and allow a school like UNLV to jump conferences before 2032? Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026 Republicans have opened up an advantage in a national redistricting battle among states after a pair of court rulings that weakened federal Voting Rights Act protections for minorities and invalidated a key Democratic redistricting effort. David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • While politicians can write all sorts of legislation meant to keep kids off smartphones and away from apps, games, and content not appropriate for them, merely writing a law is not the same as abolishing a market.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • In his encyclical, Leo recalled that his namesake, Pope Leo XIII, was the first pope to explicitly condemn slavery in 1888, long after many countries had abolished it.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026
Verb
  • To prevent a top-two shutout in the future, Democratic political operative Steve Maviglio earlier this month filed the initial paperwork for an initiative on the 2028 ballot to repeal top-two.
    John Seiler, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
  • Colorado was the first of eight states to repeal its penal exception clause.
    Julia Bowling, The Conversation, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Lawyers and former judges warn of chaos and eroding due process, with hearings canceled, courthouse arrests rising and asylum seekers traveling hours for minutes-long appearances that can decide their futures.
    Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • The trip was canceled and passengers were bused back to Alamosa.
    Logan Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • DeGette has been the prime sponsor on eight unsuccessful bills related to stem cell research but was able to work with Obama on his executive order to overturn restrictions on stem cell research in 2009.
    Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • That order was recently overturned.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • The appeals court on Thursday nullified Ozel's election as CHP chairperson, suspending him and members of the party’s executive board.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 May 2026
  • The appeals court ruling Thursday nullified Ozel’s election as CHP chairperson, suspending him and members of the party’s executive board.
    Cinar Kiper, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
Verb
  • This victory was as undeniable as the bond between the seniors on this team who did everything but draw up a pact to avoid a third-straight disappointment on the season’s final day.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • Safe food handling, good hygiene and avoiding contact with cat stool can significantly reduce your risk.
    Dr. Megan Yanny, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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