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.

The courts may invalidate specious claims that certain imports threaten national security.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ruling invalidates actions Lake took while running the agency between July and November 2025, including sweeping staff reductions and operational changes that sharply curtailed Voice of America’s operations.

From Salon

Over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed by companies in the court seeking to recoup their money after the Supreme Court invalidated tariffs last month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nearly 30 years ago, the Supreme Court invalidated something called the Harbor Maintenance Tax as it applied to exported goods.

From The Wall Street Journal

The family appealed the decision at tribunal, where a judge ruled that the council's failure to consult on ceasing the plan invalidated the decision.

From BBC

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