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 Celik seems attuned to such questions as a valid (if not necessarily revelatory) core for a play to circle around, but Cramer’s writing often feels caught between an exploration of comic diffidence and simply an expression of it. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026 The measure still needs nearly 875,000 valid signatures by June 24 to reach the November ballot. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 Children must have valid Social Security numbers, and the taxpayer claiming the credit must be eligible to claim the child as a dependent. —Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Tickets that had been purchased for the original date are still valid. —Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 29 Mar. 2026 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
  • This means a single physical qubit can contribute to multiple logical qubits, significantly improving overall efficiency and reducing hardware demands.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Apr. 2026
  • If that scenario sounds familiar, a greenhouse might be your next logical move.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • In 2012, 73 percent of Coloradans approved Amendment 65, which instructs our legislature and congressional delegation to support a federal constitutional amendment allowing reasonable limits on campaign spending.
    — DP Opinion, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Afterward, in his hallway scrum with mostly local reporters, Auriemma settled down and was more himself, more reasonable.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • The task of Survivor story producers and editors requires making tough choices in order to condense 26 days of content into 13 episodes while telling a coherent story about the handful of players who make it to the end.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Far from exhibiting a coherent or consistent set of values, carnival has been co-opted by—and used to promote the philosophies of—various movements, from the Protestant Reformation to National Socialism.
    — Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adjective
  • The lawsuit claims that Missouri lawmakers used no rational basis to categorize which counties qualified for a 5% cap, a freeze or neither.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
  • When medicated, Lofton is thoughtful and rational, just like in years past, his mother said.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Gluting is ranked as the second best left-hander in Illinois in the 2027 class by Prep Baseball Report behind Benet’s Quinn Rooney, who’s a Notre Dame recruit.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But UConn, usually at its best after making halftime adjustments, immediately fell behind again in the third.
    — Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Definition of good
Adjective
  • Big horizons meet daily realities as the instinctive Moon explores your pensive 9th house and squares Jupiter in your sensible 6th house.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Scientifically speaking, the most sensible thing is to conduct further research to investigate the extent to which a factor such as gender influences efficacy and whether there may be other influencing factors.
    — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026
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 5 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of valid for Spanish Speakers

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