VALID Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

valid

adjective

ˈva-ləd

Definition of valid next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reasonable

based on sound reasoning or information only further investigation will show whether your theory is valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Your Gold Star Membership is valid for one year at any Costco location worldwide and at Costco.com. —

Nora Colomer, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025 The reward is valid until Nov. 1. To report copper theft, the company says to call local law enforcement and AT&T’s investigations team at 800-807‐4205. —

Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Feb. 2025 In fact, there are still a ton of valid reasons to continue meeting up, even when there’s no major crisis at hand. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025 Getting Hit With Snowstorm This Weekend—Live Tracker The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map, which shows data valid through February 4, revealed that 100 percent of Clark County is battling extreme drought, with nearly 24 percent battling exceptional drought, which is the worst category. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

Amorim is not likely to be afforded those in abundance at a club of United’s stature, even if trusting the process is the only logical way to succeed.

— Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 7 Feb. 2025
The Treasury Department would be the next most logical agency to administer student debt, Mayotte said.

— Annie Nova, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025