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

His administration seeks to invalidate the protections as unconstitutional by intruding on the president’s authority to oversee the executive branch. —Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 13 June 2025

With a now-solid conservative majority, the Supreme Court invalidated restrictions on the president’s ability to remove members of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in 2009. —Claire B. Wofford, The Conversation, 13 June 2025

Michigan’s win doesn’t invalidate Ohio State’s national championship, nor does Ohio State’s national championship erase the disappointment for Buckeyes seniors who went winless against Michigan in their careers. —Austin Meek, New York Times, 7 July 2025

For example, Liebmann writes that liberals were not as concerned about excessive claims of judicial authority when judges invalidated conservative state laws. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 July 2025