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 The critique is valid, especially at a time when white supremacy threatens so much of Western culture. —

Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Feb. 2026 Your past, current, and future efforts are valid. —

Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026 Vargas’s Monday order found the concern valid but outweighed by the public interest and harm posed to the states if the Gateway Development Commission were forced to shut down operations on the tunnel project. —

Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2026 California argued that the laws were valid safety regulations, likening them to speed limits or other traffic laws. —

Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

Next logical step in electromobility The goal is to advance the use of high-voltage technologies in electric vehicles and define safety standards.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
However, Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued this motive did not make logical sense.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of logical

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valiants

valid

validate

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“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of valid

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