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

Examples 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 This creates a web of computers constantly verifying and propagating valid Bitcoin transactions worldwide. Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 In just the second episode of the new game show on Prime Video, a team successfully argued that its alternate response was a valid, correct answer. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 4 Dec. 2024 Written by Sigal Samuel, this unconventional column is based on value pluralism — the idea that each of us has multiple values that are equally valid but that often conflict with each other. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 3 Dec. 2024 More:What Michigan law says about the eviction process More:Man shot, killed during eviction in Detroit The bailiff had a valid eviction order from Detroit's 36th District Court, officials said. Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for valid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • To prevent yourself from imposing irrational penalties, set up house rules that outline logical consequences in advance.
    Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Parents, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This is a reasonable request and a fair expectation.
    Brian Mitchell, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The two are linked: Disputes are much easier to solve when all parties have a reasonable prospect of prosperity.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This approach should include: Unified Data Infrastructure: Providing coherent access to data across diverse locations without relying on outdated monolithic data lakes.
    Steve McDowell, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • The evaluation of Harris’s loss was also varied and pointed to issues like her inability to distance herself from Joe Biden or to articulate a coherent economic vision for the future.
    Mordechai Gordon, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Those feelings can flood your brain, overtake some of your rational decision-making ability, and lead you to shy away from asking difficult or direct questions.
    Michelle Greenberg-Kobrin, Contributor, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Striking this balance between rational responsibility and intrepid innovation will ensure trust and fairness while fostering breakthroughs that define market leaders.
    Douglas B. Laney, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Joe Buscaglia, Bills beat writer Rams survive Allen’s best ‘hero ball’ Throughout the first half, the Rams’ defense (and Buffalo’s game plan) made Allen look mortal.
    Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Often, leaders have really good intentions to be inclusive, but obstacles or barriers get in the way.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Albert is an adult — which may not be so entertaining on a night out, but seems the more logical choice for a sensible person like Charlotte.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 13 Dec. 2024
  • So from an investment standpoint, investing elsewhere is very sensible.
    Tonya Mosley, NPR, 11 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near valid

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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