Synonyms of valid

valid

adjective

ˈva-ləd 

1

as in logical

according to the rules of logic

your argument isn't valid because you're taking what should be the conclusion and using it as a premise

Synonyms & Similar Words

• logical
• reasonable
• coherent
• rational
• good
• sensible
• analytical
• analytic
• empirical
• justifiable
• sound
• consequent
• well-founded
• well-grounded
• empiric
• a priori
• cognitive
• supportable
• defensible
• sustainable
• tenable
• syllogistic
• maintainable
• defendable
• a posteriori

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invalid
• unreasonable
• weak
• irrational
• illegitimate
• illogical
• unsound
• incoherent
• misleading
• inconsequential
• specious
• fallacious
• sophistical
• sophistic
• casuistical
• casuistic
• unscientific
• unarticulated
• stupid
• absurd
• inconsequent
• insane
• mad
• crazy
• nonsensical
• preposterous
• eristical
• eristic
• fatuous
• nutty
• loony
• thoughtless
• simpleminded
• daffy
• harebrained
• unconvincing
• witless
• senseless
• cockeyed
• weak-minded
• looney
• half-baked
• half-witted
• uncompelling

2

as in reasonable

based on sound reasoning or information

only further investigation will show whether your theory is valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

• logical
• reasonable
• reasoned
• good
• sensible
• rational
• justified
• true
• solid
• hard
• informed
• validated
• well-founded
• plausible
• commonsense
• sober
• firm
• just
• real
• credible
• actual
• commonsensible
• commonsensical
• convincing
• levelheaded
• certain
• substantiated
• sure
• confirmed
• certified
• cogent
• verified
• corroborated
• colorable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invalid
• unreasonable
• irrational
• illogical
• unfounded
• unjustified
• unsound
• uninformed
• nonsensical
• groundless
• unsupported
• nonrational
• unwarranted
• unsubstantiated
• weak
• unreasoned
• nonvalid
• implausible
• unconvincing
• flimsy
• false
• misguided
• fallacious
• misled

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

Recent Examples of valid

Count former Maryland men’s basketball coach Gary Williams among those who disagree with the way Willard voiced his concerns, even if Willard’s overall point was valid. —Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2025

Of those, 51 don’t have a valid tobacco retailer license. —Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025

That's about 47% of all valid driver licenses and IDs in Tennessee. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025

If enough valid petition signatures are filed by Aug. 4, the recall election could take place sometime in January or early February 2026. —Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025