ABROGATE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul , invalidate , negate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," 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 'abrogate'?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'abrogate'?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate 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 'negate' be a better fit than 'abrogate'?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: In what contexts can 'nullify' take the place of 'abrogate'?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

abrogate

verb

ˈa-brə-ˌgāt

Definition of abrogate next

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action the U.S. Congress can abrogate old treaties that are unfair to Native Americans

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How does the verb abrogate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul, invalidate, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," 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 abrogate?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 abrogate?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate 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 negate be a better fit than abrogate?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

In what contexts can nullify take the place of abrogate?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, 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 abrogate In the face of intense opposition, the government fell the following February and soon the agreement was abrogated. —

Ben Wedeman, CNN, 29 Sep. 2024 That describes the approach Bush took in her effort to compel Joe Biden to abrogate the rights of America’s property owners in 2021. —

The Editors, National Review, 8 Aug. 2024 The right has just undermined women’s rights by abrogating Roe v. Wade, causing havoc for women’s reproductive health care and bodily autonomy all across the country. —

Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024 Duterte took offense when world leaders criticized his war on drugs for violating human rights and civil liberties, and at various points threatened to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States and to expel European diplomats. —

Regine Cabato, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrogate

Verb

That loophole remained open following the most recent U.S. election, which saw California voters shooting down Proposition 6, which would have abolished prison labor.

Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2025
So legislation abolishing the department (already written by GOP Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota) would have to pass through budget reconciliation, which lets certain legislation pass with a mere majority in the Senate.

Dylan Matthews, Vox, 2 Jan. 2025