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 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 The Article 370 of the Indian constitution was abrogated through a presidential order in 2019. —

Sweta Kaushal, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Because the United States lacks treaty allies in the region, aside from Turkey, the president could downgrade security partnerships into more neutral and transactional relationships without abrogating legal obligations. —

Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrogate

Verb

Rankin believed that without a widespread moral awakening, the prospect was slim that slavery could be abolished.

TIME, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
Kash Patel vows to abolish the ‘deep state’; Trump’s FBI pick thrills MAGA base Robby Soave and Steven Olikara weigh in on Donald Trump’s nominee to spearhead the FBI, Kash Patel.

The Hill, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024