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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Just be aware of your limits here, too, as an early withdrawal fee on an account of this size can be steep and, depending on the lender, can even easily negate all of the interest earned on the account up to the date of withdrawal. — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026 My favorite Panini story from this World Cup is that of a kid who apparently stuck a one-of-one Julián Álvarez in their book, thereby negating almost all of its value. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 30 June 2026 Instead, the space agency is planning a mission to rescue the telescope and extend its mission for several more years – negating the need to spend more money to replace the observatory, NASA said in a press release. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Many companies are concerned about the high upfront-costs only to have people discontinue the drugs, negating the long-term benefits, said Ben Barner, clinical pharmacy leader at insurance brokerage Brown & Brown. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for negate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negate

Verb

His opponent claimed that created a conflict of interest, which Weiser denied.

— Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The two housekeepers denied having such a conversation with Brown, noting language differences would have made such a discussion unlikely.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

The other reconstruction amendments abolished slavery and expanded voting rights.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Trump and his supporters have repeatedly pushed Senate leaders to abolish the filibuster to pass the election bill, but there's also insufficient support to drastically change the chamber's procedures.

— Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

Kiryl Pazniak, 49, who hosted a popular political show on YouTube, has been convicted on the charges of discrediting Belarus and forming an extremist organization, the group said — accusations widely used by authorities to stifle critical voices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Green said earlier this year that Adebayo shouldn’t be underestimated and his 83-point game against Washington shouldn’t be discredited.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026

Definition of discredit

Verb

Four fisher people from Indonesia’s Pari Island filed a legal complaint in 2023 against the Swiss construction company Holcim, which refutes their assertion that its climate change-causing emissions threaten their homes and livelihoods.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Wainger also refuted the assertion that Pennel had expected to be arrested.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Definition of refute

Verb

Critics see it as another attempt to breathe life into claims that courts, investigators and election officials have repeatedly rejected — and another corrosive attempt to undermine faith in the state’s vote.

— Adam Beam, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Questioning, if not rejecting, established Christian doctrine, Ahab also comes to regard Moby Dick as the outward and visible sign, the physical embodiment of the indifference or, worse, utter malignity inherent in the universe.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

As aides at the Capitol were actively building a stage for the celebratory event, meant to communicate a big cost-of-living win to voters, the president abruptly canceled it.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
The city council voting against a recommendation by its fire marshal to cancel the display.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

Other methods to reduce the harm from sweltering temperatures include more breaks and flexible shifts so workers can avoid the midday sun, according to the WHO.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
While the morning may feel personal — especially if someone questions your judgment, appearance or direction — avoid treating their feedback (or silence) as rejection.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of avoid

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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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of negate

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