invalidate

verb

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

transitive verb

: to make invalid
especially : to weaken or destroy the cogency of
invalidation noun
invalidator noun
Choose the Right Synonym for invalidate

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 Does the failure of the latter invalidate the salience of the former? Casey Cep, The New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2024 Republicans have appealed the judge’s decision invalidating the rules to the state’s highest court. Alanna Durkin Richer, TIME, 20 Oct. 2024 The measure, if passed, would be retroactive and invalidate any results of judicial retention votes on the November ballot. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 15 Oct. 2024 The group, Cherokee Concerned Citizens, asked the court to invalidate the agency’s approval of the chemicals. Sharon Lerner, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invalidate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invalidate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invalidate was in 1649

Dictionary Entries Near invalidate

Cite this Entry

“Invalidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invalidate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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 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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on invalidate

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