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
  • In Springfield, the GOP nominee for governor, Darren Bailey, reiterated his call to reform or repeal the SAFE-T Act, a stance he’s held since his last run for governor in 2022.
    Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The fee was suspended in 2017 and was set to be repealed entirely in 2031 as part of a legislative deal to extend the cap-and-trade program, which collects money by auctioning permits to emit greenhouse gases.
    Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 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
  • The measure, if approved for the ballot and passed by voters, would overturn the congressional map Missouri Republicans passed to oust Kansas City’s long-term Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • The Republican president views the investments as critical for economic security and emblematic of his own dealmaking skills, overturning what had been GOP dogma that government should avoid picking winners and losers.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 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
  • Wrobleski is scheduled to start Sunday, as the Dodgers try to avoid a three-game sweep.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
  • Instead, remove selective branches from the center of the plant to ensure good airflow and avoid mildew.
    Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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