invalidate

verb

in·​val·​i·​date (ˌ)in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
invalidated; invalidating; invalidates
Synonyms of invalidate

transitive verb

: to make invalid
especially : to weaken or destroy the cogency of
invalidation
(ˌ)in-ˌva-lə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
noun
invalidator
in-ˈva-lə-ˌdā-tər How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of invalidate

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nullify, negate, annul, abrogate, invalidate mean to deprive of effective or continued existence.

nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

annul suggests making ineffective or nonexistent often by legal or official action.

the treaty annuls all previous agreements

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

a law to abrogate trading privileges

invalidate implies making something powerless or unacceptable by declaration of its logical or moral or legal unsoundness.

the court invalidated the statute

Examples of invalidate in a Sentence

actions that will invalidate the contract The study invalidates earlier theories. factors that may invalidate the test results
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Legal experts also said Bolsonaro would face a high legal bar to invalidate the election. — David Unsworth , Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026 The Virginia appeals court is being asked to invalidate the amendment, arguing state lawmakers failed to follow proper procedures before putting it before voters. — Amy Delaura, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026 In a June hearing, Diaz’s testimony helped invalidate hundreds of Macías petitions collected by a woman whose license address and petition address did not match. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 In 1952, Arizona sued in federal court to invalidate the 1922 apportionment. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invalidate

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invalidate was in 1649

Rhymes for invalidate

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Browse Nearby Words

invalid
invalidate
invalidation
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Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invalidate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

invalidate

verb
in·​val·​i·​date (ˈ)in-ˈval-ə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
: to weaken or destroy the effect of
evidence invalidating their claim
invalidation
(ˌ)in-ˌval-ə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

invalidate

transitive verb
in·​val·​i·​date in-ˈva-lə-ˌdāt How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
: to make or declare invalid
invalidation
in-ˌva-lə-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce invalidate (audio)
noun
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