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

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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 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 These timber floor structures negate the need for downstand beams (which project below the underside of the floor slab and support it). — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for negate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negate

Verb

The former president denied the accusations and called the proceedings politically motivated.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Trump on Monday alluded to his own frustrations over the reports, which include allegations that Guilfoyle tried to solicit money from a donor to pay off her credit card ahead of her confirmation process (Guilfoyle has denied the story).

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of deny

Verb

In Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also gaining ground and wants to abolish the license fee that finances public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Although California had technically abolished slavery in its 1849 constitution, no legal authority troubled Smith about his human property.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

Baker periodically deployed Darman to discredit and even destroy Baker’s rivals for Presidential attention in the Administration.

— Bob Woodward, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Gates says Washburn’s petition is a first volley in an attempt to discredit and then defund the Wildlife Council.

— Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of discredit

Verb

The app then connects them with a doctor who will confirm or refute AI’s initial findings within three minutes.

— Alana Semuels, Time, 15 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

Verb

The Greenwich Sentinel reported that at a recent forum, Democrat Jill Oberlander, candidate for the town’s 36th Senate District seat, said that the law should be amended or repealed, and stressed her support for community zoning authority.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
The Trades Council endorsed the campaign for repealing the law, according to Ballotpedia, while Schmidt spent heavily to defend it.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

Quebec voters have twice rejected independence, most recently by a razor-thin margin in a 1995 referendum.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
For countries that rejected the open international order, as the axis countries do today, the benefits were far fewer and the penalties considerable.

— Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reject

Verb

Classes, activities and athletic events across Bend-La Pine Schools are canceled tomorrow, the district announced.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
Ossoff last year also pressed Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin for canceling public health and environmental grants.

— Maydeen Merino, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of cancel

Verb

Recently, A'ja Wilson charged aggressively toward a fan in the stands and avoided a suspension.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The group chose roads that would keep them moving, avoiding excessive stop-start riding at traffic lights and intersections wherever possible.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of negate

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