NEGATE Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'negate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of negate are abrogate , annul , invalidate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: How do 'abrogate' and 'annul' relate to one another, in the sense of 'negate'?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act. // a law to abrogate trading privileges

Q: When is it sensible to use 'annul' instead of 'negate'?

The words annul and negate can be used in similar contexts, but annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action. // the treaty annuls all previous agreements

Q: When could 'invalidate' be used to replace 'negate'?

The synonyms invalidate and negate are sometimes interchangeable, but invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness. // the court invalidated the statute

Q: When might 'nullify' be a better fit than 'negate'?

In some situations, the words nullify and negate are roughly equivalent. However, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

negate

verb

ni-ˈgāt

Definition of negate next

as in to deny

to declare not to be true this evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the crime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action Prohibition was established by the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, only to be negated by the 21st amendment 13 years later

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discredit

to think not to be true or real you simply can't negate your feelings for someone, even if they don't feel the same way about you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb negate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of negate are abrogate, annul, invalidate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

How do abrogate and annul relate to one another, in the sense of negate?

Abrogate is like annul but more definitely implies a legal or official act.

a law to abrogate trading privileges

When is it sensible to use annul instead of negate?

The words annul and negate can be used in similar contexts, but annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

When could invalidate be used to replace negate?

The synonyms invalidate and negate are sometimes interchangeable, but invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

When might nullify be a better fit than negate?

In some situations, the words nullify and negate are roughly equivalent. However, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

Examples 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 negate Taking digestive enzyme supplements without chewing your food properly in the first place will negate their benefit. —

Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024 Although Maye stayed in the game for a few more plays—including a first-down run, two handoffs (one negated by a penalty), a sack, and an incomplete pass on third down—he was later seen heading to the blue medical tent as the Patriots' offense took the field. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024 Panthers coach Paul Maurice challenged the play for potential goaltender interference, and replays showed that Rossi made some contact with the Florida goalie prior to the shot, negating the goal. —

Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 19 Dec. 2024 OLEDs are inherently power hungry, and a 78 Wh battery is quite large and designed to account for that hunger, which may negate any chip-level power savings. —

Anshel Sag, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for negate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negate

Verb

Is there some way that the Giants and Jets can get clipped for congestion pricing over on Route 3? People who still deny that climate change is real also believe that pigs can fly.

Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025
Fewer claims translate to lower premiums and reduce the risk that your policy will be canceled or denied for renewal.

Ryan Barone, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025