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 Smart & Safe Florida, a political committee trying to again put a recreational marijuana constitutional amendment on the ballot, filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Cord Byrd last week, accusing him of trying to invalidate about 200,000 petitions without any basis in law. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025 Democratic voting rights group estimate that gutting the Voting Rights Act’s protections against vote dilution could help Republicans win an additional 27 House seats − including 19 that would directly result from invalidating the law’s protections. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025 Trump issued a version of it at the end of his first term but it was invalidated by the Biden administration almost immediately. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 By using the Congressional Review Act to overturn these local resource plans, Congress is setting a precedent that could potentially invalidate all resource management plans passed since 1996, when the Congressional Review Act became law. Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • The FairTax Act of 2025 was the latest bid to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and replace income tax and other levies with a national sales tax.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Jan. 2026
  • During his campaign, Mamdani pledged to keep the NYPD’s headcount flat, abolish the department’s controversial Strategic Response Group and get rid of its gang database — all proposals opposed by Tisch, who supports hiring more cops.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In 2020, voters repealed the Gallagher Amendment in the state constitution, which locked in a certain ratio of residential to commercial property taxes that provided extra security for homeowners against sudden increases.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But a further threat to its revenue comes by way of a possible ballot measure to repeal the trash pickup fee assessed last year on single-family homes that is being considered by the conservative-leaning Lincoln Club and others.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While it's left some passengers making backup plans and reserving rental cars, the flights canceled Friday represented just a small portion of overall flights nationwide.
    JOSH FUNK, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2025
  • If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.
    The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Lawyers also argued the conviction should be overturned because the verdict was tainted by the media attention and due to faulty instructions to the jury.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026
  • In 2005, Yates’ conviction was overturned by the Texas Court of Appeals.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As a result, much of the original's monotony was nullified, but what about the rest?
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025
  • If granted, those petitions nullify asylum-seekers' claims and clear the way for them to be deported to third countries, absent any appeals.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Flyers should try to mitigate any headaches from delays and cancellations by avoiding booking flights with layovers, the non-profit US Public Interest Research Group says, and opt to make reservations directly with the airline rather than a third-party website.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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