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

MacDonough’s rulings have invalidated a number of headline-grabbing GOP provisions, including a plan requiring states to pay a portion of food benefits—the largest spending cut for SNAP in the bill. —Nik Popli, Time, 23 June 2025

Meanwhile, the Schrems II ruling invalidated the EU–U.S. Privacy Shield, creating uncertainty for companies relying on transatlantic data flows. —Sindhya Valloppillil, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

The state Auditor’s Office cannot pass laws, cannot invalidate laws, cannot force the Legislature to accept its recommendations for improvement. —Jeanne M. Kempthorne, Boston Herald, 15 July 2025

House Bill 495, sponsored by Republican Rep. David Hale, would invalidate Beshear's 2024 order banning the use of state and federal funds on conversion therapy for minors. —Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025