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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 This ticket is for admission to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom (one theme park per day, not valid for admission to Magic Kingdom). Devonne Goode, Parents, 12 Apr. 2025 On Thursday at 11:09 p.m. a dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS San Diego CA valid for Friday between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Orange County Coastal. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025 This particular deal is valid for certain flights purchased between April 10 to April 15 and booked for travel in May and September through December 2025. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2025 Citizen Green-card holder Long-term visa Short-term visa No valid visa Could you be denied entry or detained while attempting to enter the United States? Albert Sun, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • That makes for a logical disconnect, and palpable hypocrisy.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The logical conclusion is for the US to convert its gold holdings into bitcoin.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Multi: Multi-ground (MG) cleats are designed to achieve reasonable levels of traction, grip and control on as many types of ground as possible.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Read has pleaded not guilty, denied killing O'Keefe and alleged she is being framed, attempting to sow reasonable doubt in prosecutors' claims and asserting that someone else killed O'Keefe and had ties to and influence over the investigation.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Right now, though, a coherent A.I. policy seems well-nigh inconceivable.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And unlike misspellings or other mistakes, large swaths of coherent text don’t give the reader clues that the transcriptions could be inaccurate, potentially leading users to use them in high-stakes scenarios without ever finding their failures.
    Asmelash Teka Hadgu, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad research over decades into psychology and behavioral economics.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • That despite her reasoned, carefully articulated point to Joel, that this is not rational.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Contrast this look with that of Timothée Chalamet, who took in the festival in a sensible ensemble of loose clothing, a backpack, hat and sunglasses.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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