NEGATE Synonyms: 135 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of negate are abrogate , annul , invalidate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: How do 'abrogate' and 'annul' relate to one another, in the sense of 'negate'?

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 'negate'?

The words annul and negate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 'negate'?

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

In some situations, the words nullify and negate are roughly equivalent. However, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

negate

verb

ni-ˈgāt

Definition of negate

as in to deny

to declare not to be true this evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the crime

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action Prohibition was established by the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, only to be negated by the 21st amendment 13 years later

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to discredit

to think not to be true or real you simply can't negate your feelings for someone, even if they don't feel the same way about you

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb negate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of negate are abrogate, annul, invalidate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

How do abrogate and annul relate to one another, in the sense of negate?

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 negate?

The words annul and negate can be used in similar contexts, but 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 negate?

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

In some situations, the words nullify and negate are roughly equivalent. However, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something.

a penalty nullified the touchdown

Example 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 negate Florida had a fourth-quarter kickoff return touchdown negated by a penalty. — Pj Green october 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2026 The Browns were outgained by 100 yards in Sunday’s win over the Panthers with a roughing the passer call negating a late INT that would have sealed the game for Carolina. — Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026 Colorado’s ongoing struggles on the mound negated the strides the offense made since last year’s 119-loss disaster. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 29 Sep. 2026 Mayfield's 14-yard scramble on second-and-9 later was negated by a holding penalty on Payne Durham. — CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for negate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negate

Verb

This month, it was denied access to the plane for a trip to Georgia and Florida.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026
In response, Amy Helm accused Parillo of financial exploitation and elder abuse of Sandra Helm in a June court filing; Parillo denied those charges.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

Other New York literati, like Camille Paglia, expressed similar views and endorsed the organization’s goal of abolishing the age of consent.

— Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026
The Book of Revelation tells us, sort of, the Antichrist will abolish financial freedom.

— David Gibson, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

There are growing concerns from Congress and observers that the election will take place in a hostile environment and efforts to discredit and undermine the election are already underway.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
The few instances of panic were magnified by newspapers eager to discredit the new medium of radio.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of discredit

Verb

Ramaswamy has also refuted allegations his fortune came from misleading investors.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Others describe the studies necessary to replicate, refute or refine these advances and ensure the necessary scientific rigor to successfully discover and develop new drugs.

— Fred D. Ledley, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of refute

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nefarious

negate

negated

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“Negate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of negate

verb

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