Synonyms of invalidate

invalidate

verb

(ˌ)in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt 

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action

those nations eventually invalidated their trade agreement

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abolish
• repeal
• cancel
• overturn
• nullify
• avoid
• void
• negate
• vacate
• annul
• rescind
• abrogate
• revoke
• dismiss
• quash
• dissolve
• withdraw
• set aside
• null
• suspend
• roll back
• strike down
• abate
• reject
• reverse
• retract
• veto
• overrule
• override
• disannul
• do away with
• remove
• eliminate
• forbid
• prohibit
• recall
• erase
• ban
• abort
• countermand
• enjoin
• disallow
• call off
• outlaw
• eradicate
• call
• annihilate
• liquidate
• drop
• throw out
• write off
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• enact
• establish
• found
• legislate
• lay down
• validate
• legitimate
• institute
• pass
• permit
• authorize
• allow
• approve
• ratify
• warrant
• endorse
• legitimize
• order
• prescribe
• legalize
• formalize
• clear
• command
• sanction
• indorse
• mandate
• decree

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

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