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 In a recent ruling, the Court of International Trade (CIT) invalidated a large portion of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, but the story is far from over. Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 10 June 2025 While the four firms have each successfully had the executive orders invalidated, other major firms have decided to enter into agreements with the president, seemingly to avoid being targeted themselves. Melissa Quinn june 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025 Ten Commandments law invalidated: On Friday, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that a Louisiana law requiring all public-school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional. Ella Lee, The Hill, 25 June 2025 To invalidate thousands of peaceful voices due to the actions of a violent fringe is to fundamentally misunderstand the essence of free assembly. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for invalidate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • The poem became an anthem for abolishing convict labor in Florida.
    Time, Time, 17 July 2025
  • Those who call for abolishing ICE or halting deportations rarely grapple with what that would actually mean: open borders in all but name.
    Robert W Hood, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • But even in friendly rooms, Democrats are not promising to repeal the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in toto.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 18 July 2025
  • One positive step was to repeal many of the Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy subsidies.
    Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Years later, her character was set to lead a separate reboot for Peacock, but the project was canceled in 2021.
    Danny Horn, EW.com, 19 July 2025
  • Was the show canceled because late night TV is a relic of the past?
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The Department of Justice (DOJ) has called on the Supreme Court to reject an appeal by Ghislaine Maxwell to overturn her conviction.
    Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Six appealed their disqualifications but none of the disqualifications were overturned, the NYPD said in court papers.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • The directive attempted to nullify birthright citizenship, as enshrined by the Fourteenth Amendment for over 150 years, and restore an older understanding of U.S. citizenship not seen since before the Civil War.
    Time, Time, 14 July 2025
  • All the Court has done is nullify an injunction that a judge had no basis to issue.
    Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • For efficient and safe removal, residents should avoid stacking debris near trees, utility poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, or meters.
    Robbie Farias, Austin American Statesman, 12 July 2025
  • Experts say Camp Mystic's requests to amend the FEMA map could have been an attempt to avoid the requirement to carry flood insurance, to lower the camp's insurance premiums or to pave the way for renovating or adding new structures under less costly regulations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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