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 Opinions were mixed over whether or not the OP’s feelings are valid. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 1 June 2025 The advisory is valid from 10 p.m. until Wednesday, May. 28 at 2 a.m. —Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 31 May 2025 On Friday at 12:27 p.m. a red flag warning was issued by the NWS Reno NV valid from Saturday 11 a.m. until Sunday 11 p.m. for Southern Mono County. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 According to the airline, this sale is valid on flights departing between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2025. —Andrew Kunesh, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
  1. logical
  2. reasonable
  3. coherent
  4. rational
  5. good
  6. sensible
Adjective
  • Even with Bailey singing her lovestruck heart out, Rob Marshall's redo doesn't make the same refreshing splash as the 1989 animated classic but gets points for trying with a more logical narrative.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Therefore, the logical starting point might be to first to prop this thing at least back up to respectability.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    — Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • Create a coherent narrative showing your evolution.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Having those two positions secured gives the Patriots a chance to implement a coherent vision for the long term.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Newcomer Davante Adams, 32, and Puka Nacua, 25, will complement one another, giving the Rams their best veteran tandem at receiver since Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. fueled the Super Bowl-winning offense.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • The cars are an entry point for new buyers into the Porsche brand, cheaper than 911s and less powerful, but also just as well-made, and, for many, the most sensible Porsche one can buy brand new.
    — Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
  • The wilderness is not unkind to those who understand it and take sensible precautions.
    — Ted Updike, Outdoor Life, 22 May 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 6 Jun. 2025.

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