valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
1
: having legal efficacy or force
especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities
a valid contract
2
a
: well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful
a valid theory
b
: logically correct
a valid argument
valid inference
3
: appropriate to the end in view : effective
every craft has its own valid methods
4
of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification
validly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for valid

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance.

valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of valid in a Sentence

There is no valid reason to proceed with the change. Her objections were completely valid. You make a valid point. You must present valid identification. Their marriage is not legally valid. The agreement is no longer valid under international law.
Recent Examples on the Web The sale, which must be booked by March 28, is valid on southbound trains from April 8 to June 30, Amtrak shared with Travel + Leisure. Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024 The trial in Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ), the country’s top court for non-constitutional matters, had a majority rule that Italy’s decision was valid in Brazil. Reuters, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 Uber now requires a valid ID and has drivers scan the back barcode or, if presented with a passport, use a third-party verification system operated through the firm Au10tix. Nick Penzenstadler, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 Tickets purchased within 14 days of the event will require Will Call pickup with a valid ID. Boots in the Park Tempe 2024 ticket prices Boots in the Park ticket prices for the September event have not been announced yet. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 In Kentucky, a medical marijuana license will be valid for one year, unless indicated by the practitioner to end access sooner. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 18 Mar. 2024 Which is a very valid and very interesting question, and—like all valid and interesting questions—doesn’t have a clear answer. Nell Frizzell, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2024 The signatures are now under scrutiny as the elections commission and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and his allies investigate each signature to determine how many are valid. Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 The code will be valid from March 15 to March 29th and is for new members only. USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French or Latin; Middle French valide "in good health, having legal force," borrowed from Latin validus "in good health, robust, potent, having legal authority," adjective derivative from the base of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of valid was in 1571

Dictionary Entries Near valid

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈval-əd How to pronounce valid (audio)
1
: legally binding
2
: founded on truth or fact
a valid argument
validly adverb

Legal Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
1
: having legal efficacy or force
a valid license
especially : executed with proper authority and form
a valid contract
a valid search
2
: having a legitimate basis : justifiable
a valid reason for terminating the employee
3
: appropriate to the end in view
validity noun
validly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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