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

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 invalidate The Biden administration insists the same reasoning applies to the Equal Protection Clause and Tennessee’s gender-affirming care ban should be invalidated. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024 Four of Trump's co-defendants pleaded guilty in the case, although at least one of them – Kenneth Chesebro – is now seeking to invalidate his guilty plea. Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 4 Dec. 2024 The company’s lawyers also said multiple Supreme Court precedents invalidated the Justice Department’s case. David McCabe, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024 The arbitration award invalidated PRC claims to numerous features within the Philippines’ EEZ, including Scarborough Shoal. Jill Goldenziel, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invalidate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for invalidate
Verb
  • 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
  • Rankin believed that without a widespread moral awakening, the prospect was slim that slavery could be abolished.
    TIME, TIME, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Initially, officials issued a tsunami warning for some coastal areas, although this was repealed a few hours later.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The only time in U.S. history a constitutional amendment has been repealed was when the 18th Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxication liquors, better known as prohibition, was repealed in 1933 through the addition of the 21st Amendment, LeRoy noted.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • While appearing on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast, the host asked the Shazam! actor if he got canceled for leaning right in the election.
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The Japan Times reported that Ms. Nakayama had canceled an appearance at a Christmas concert in Osaka, Japan, scheduled for that same day, citing health issues.
    Alex Williams, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • His sentence has never been overturned and was carried out as ordered by the court.
    CBS News, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Questions loom about TikTok as Trump's cabinet comes into shape In a ruling earlier this month, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit rejected TikTok’s bid to overturn the law.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • An umpire nullified a home run by Kansas City’s George Brett because Brett’s bat was coated in too much pine tar, which can improve a batter’s grip.
    Richard Goldstein, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Lawmakers in several states have already initiated or indicated plans to alter or nullify certain results.
    Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Now, unidentified drones are flying over New Jersey, avoiding radar detection.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 14 Dec. 2024
  • The bottom line is that these are common mistakes in the business grant application process that can easily be avoided.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near invalidate

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/invalidate. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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