Synonyms

invalidate

American

[in-val-i-deyt] / ɪnˈvæl ɪˌdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

invalidated, invalidating

to render invalid; discredit.

Synonyms:

rebut, refute, disprove, impair, weaken
to deprive of legal force or efficacy; nullify.

invalidate British

/ ɪnˈvælɪˌdeɪt /

verb

to render weak or ineffective, as an argument
to take away the legal force or effectiveness of; annul, as a contract

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

invalidation noun
invalidator noun

Etymology

Origin of invalidate

First recorded in 1640–50; invalid ² + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A finding of undue influence can invalidate a will or trust if your grandmother was pressured, manipulated or dependent on your mother.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the Court’s decision wouldn’t invalidate deals the U.S. has already struck.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

In 2022, however, the American Journal of Therapeutics, which had published the study, warned that suspicious data “appears to invalidate the findings” regarding ivermectin’s potential to decrease deaths.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2025

“The recent attack doesn’t invalidate that strategy; it reinforces it.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 14, 2025

In general, I felt as if I couldn’t win, that no amount of faith or hard work would push me past my detractors and their attempts to invalidate me.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023