valid

adjective

ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
Definition of validnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The effort would need 546,651 valid signatures to successfully appear on next year’s ballot. —Kate Wolffe october 23, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2025 Citing climate change concerns and the melting ice sheet, Greenland implemented a moratorium on oil and gas drilling in 2021—seemingly bringing all oil dreams to an end—but the government agreed that White Flame’s licenses were grandfathered and remained valid. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 The state has argued the revocation is valid. —Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 2025 De Leon is now wanted for felony leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and felony driving without a valid license/causing serious bodily injury, the sheriff’s office said. —Mark Price, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
  1. logical
  2. reasonable
  3. coherent
  4. reasoned
  5. rational
  6. good
  7. sensible
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    — Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • The state alleged that Amazon doesn’t go far enough to find reasonable accommodations for employees upon request and fails to consider whether a different accommodation or work location would be a match for an employee who is pregnant or has a disability.
    — Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Wisconsin law enforcement agencies may use a drone to gather evidence or other information in a criminal investigation from or at a place or location where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy if a search warrant is obtained.
    — Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Forging ahead, Ledru returns to the strategy centered on a coherent and consistent brand narrative.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Underwater performance inevitably loses some detail compared to traditional in-ear options, but the audio remains steady and coherent – ideal for pacing laps or long sessions where awareness and waterproofing matter more.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.
    — Lee Bebout, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • Some geomyths, recounted orally over generations, are based on eyewitness experiences, while other accounts are grounded in a keen awareness of local terrains, plus rational and imaginative ideas about the powerful forces of nature.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Theorists could prove that this will not happen if bidders are rational.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Non-perishable items or foods that last a long time in the fridge can be good options.
    — Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.
    — Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • This was a sensible decision at the time, whether for reasons of NHL precedence, respect for the Thrashers organization, or inclusion of Thrashers fans who followed Atlanta to Winnipeg.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Far from being doomed by his polarizing legacy, Republicans are poised to emerge as the party of the sensible center, representing the non-polarized public, while Democrats, mired in anti-Trump fervor, risk alienating the masses with diminished appeal.
    — Nafees Alam, Twin Cities, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of sensible

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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