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 Courts invalidated opposition victories, declared the legislature in contempt and stripped it of power. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026 And these four friends—who all considered themselves serious scholars—wanted to find a way of invalidating his success. Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026 The judge found that Anthem Blue Cross of California’s lawsuit failed to establish a legal basis for invalidating HaloMD’s arbitration wins against the company. Tara Bannow, STAT, 13 Apr. 2026 The dispute moved to federal court, where the club asked a judge to preserve the status quo and invalidate the association’s trademarks as fraudulently obtained. Jj Velasquez, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • In April 2025, a motley crew gathered in New York City for a conference at Columbia University on abolishing the infinite.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Connecticut did not abolish enslaving people until 1848.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 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 5 May. 2026.

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