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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 For consent to be valid, five elements must be present: capacity (the competence to make decisions), knowledge (of risks, benefits and alternatives), understanding (a grasp of the facts), freedom (from coercion) and finally, authorization (giving your informed consent or informed refusal). Sunita Sah, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2025 On Sunday at 3:09 a.m. a fire weather watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Monday between noon and 8 p.m. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025 In many cases, anger and resentment are valid, justifiable responses in conflict. Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Adopt a zero-tolerance approach: Document every incident thoroughly with legal experts and witnesses, distinguishing valid concerns from smear campaigns, false claims or prejudice. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • The problem — and hardly an insignificant one — is that however funny comedian Jillian Bell’s directorial debut can be in the moment, none of it makes the slightest logical sense.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Airport lounges were overdue for a re-think, and a logical place for Delta to start catering to luxury travelers.
    Paula Conway, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition, corporations have to determine what a reasonable wage is, which typically requires the help of an accountant.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Otherwise, the Bruins could try to get something reasonable in return on the open market.
    Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The failure of Democrats to coalesce behind a coherent strategy against Trump's blizzard of controversial policies was on display during his address to a Joint Session of Congress last week.
    Susan Page, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Bo Hines, Executive Director of the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets, will facilitate dialogue aimed at developing coherent policy strategies and actionable recommendations.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even when the accusations are unfounded, even when the risks are small, the mere possibility of being a sucker can be psychologically potent enough to undermine a rational preference for cooperation.
    Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
  • This all points to a more rational, less economically harmful climate policy, but, as always, there’s going to be litigation.
    The Editors, National Review, 17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Daily: Join over 1 million Forbes Daily subscribers and get our best stories, exclusive reporting and essential analysis of the day’s news in your inbox every weekday.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The city of Providence continues to be good to Pitino, who famously led Providence College to the Final Four in 1987 toward the beginning of his storied career.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The microphone jack is located on the rear, just behind the hot shoe, a good move as this is the most sensible place to mount a mic or wireless transceiver.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Multiple sets are repurposed to serve as different locations — again, a financially sensible decision that also carries deep emotional resonance.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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