ABROGATE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'abrogate' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul , invalidate , negate , and nullify . While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," 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 'abrogate'?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'abrogate'?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate 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 'negate' be a better fit than 'abrogate'?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other. // the arguments negate each other

Q: In what contexts can 'nullify' take the place of 'abrogate'?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, nullify implies counteracting completely the force, effectiveness, or value of something. // a penalty nullified the touchdown

abrogate

verb

ˈa-brə-ˌgāt

Definition of abrogate

as in to abolish

to put an end to by formal action the U.S. Congress can abrogate old treaties that are unfair to Native Americans

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How does the verb abrogate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abrogate are annul, invalidate, negate, and nullify. While all these words mean "to deprive of effective or continued existence," 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 abrogate?

The words annul and abrogate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 abrogate?

The synonyms invalidate and abrogate 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 negate be a better fit than abrogate?

While the synonyms negate and abrogate are close in meaning, negate implies the destruction or canceling out of each of two things by the other.

the arguments negate each other

In what contexts can nullify take the place of abrogate?

Although the words nullify and abrogate have much in common, 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 abrogate Thailand’s decision to abrogate the agreement comes after a sharp deterioration of relations and armed combat with Cambodia last year. — Chalida Ekvitthayavechnukul, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026 Trump and his lackeys do their best to disrupt free and fair elections, abrogate freedom of speech and curtail press freedom. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 In many institutions, academic freedom has been threatened or abrogated. — Walt Hunter, The Atlantic, 2 Feb. 2026 That was the year when former President Hugo Chavez moved to unilaterally abrogate the contracts under which companies had been operating in Venezuela in an attempt to confiscate a bigger share of the oil revenues. — David Blackmon, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abrogate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrogate

Verb

Japan has faced growing criticism over its use of the death penalty, as a majority of the international community has abolished capital punishment.

— CBS News, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
Calls to abolish capital punishment or increase transparency have grown after the 2024 acquittal of the world’s longest-serving death-row inmate, Iwao Hakamada.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of abolish

Verb

After public pushback, state legislators backtracked and repealed some of the requirements.

— Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026
If approved by voters, the top-two primary would be repealed and the system would revert to its prior version, insuring every qualified political party could have a candidate advance in the primary to the general election.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of repeal

Verb

Town leaders canceled their contract with Flock Safety, saying a legal review found the agreement violated state law.

— Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
The franchise was canceled after a 2006 Texas operation in which Rockwall County assistant district attorney Louis Conradt died by suicide as authorities and the show’s crew closed in on his home.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of cancel

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abroad

abrogate

abrogated

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“Abrogate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrogate. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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