Definition of validnext
1
2

Synonym Chooser

How is the word valid different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of valid are cogent, convincing, sound, and telling. While all these words 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

When might cogent be a better fit than valid?

While in some cases nearly identical to valid, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is convincing a more appropriate choice than valid?

Although the words convincing and valid have much in common, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

In what contexts can sound take the place of valid?

While the synonyms sound and valid are close in meaning, sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

Where would telling be a reasonable alternative to valid?

The words telling and valid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

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 valid Writing in the Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, the researchers found that existing animal models of human psychiatric disease are not valid, something a crazy fox could have told them. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026 Officers found two 9mm shell casings at the scene and said the man did not have a valid permit to carry a weapon. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026 The offer is valid for two trips per rider through Monday, Uber officials said. Austin Turner, CBS News, 24 May 2026 The Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which is valid for a year, is another option for those planning to visit for multiple days or are considering stopping by nearby national parks. Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Intelligence cannot be reduced to analytical logic alone because intelligence itself is not singularly logical.
    Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • As befits a logical proof, Gödel’s argumentation was very abstract and high-level.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Allow reasonable discipline in school.
    Matthew Stolle, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026
  • If reasonable, open windows and turn off air conditioning at night to let cooler air in, then shut the windows and shades in the morning to trap the cool air inside, Trane recommends.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • However, generative AI goes further by packaging information into coherent narratives, recommendations, and decisions.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
  • The screenplay is episodic, with scenes that do not naturally follow each other to form a coherent narrative, but rather come together to give the audience a full portrait of these three women.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For most of investing history, that discomfort was rational.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 May 2026
  • For all the prior cinematic depictions of storming bunkers and camaraderie under fire, Pressure offers us the quiet heroism of rational restraint in the figure of James Stagg, who weathered his inner storms and bore the courage to be disliked.
    Daniel Jonah Wolpert, NPR, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • But on the other hand the club also needed power, and even in a best case scenario Durbin never projected as someone who’d move the needle much in that area.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 30 May 2026
  • Then obviously, the Colorado Eagles and the Colorado Avalanche — just two really good teams.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the end, there was an acceptance that sticking rather than twisting was the most sensible option.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Both offer sensible and balanced judicial philosophies.
    The Editorial Board, Daily News, 28 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster