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 Count former Maryland men’s basketball coach Gary Williams among those who disagree with the way Willard voiced his concerns, even if Willard’s overall point was valid. — Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2025 Of those, 51 don’t have a valid tobacco retailer license. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 That's about 47% of all valid driver licenses and IDs in Tennessee. — Adam Tamburin, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025 If enough valid petition signatures are filed by Aug. 4, the recall election could take place sometime in January or early February 2026. — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 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
  • Those used in the past decade (Nike’s Ordem, Merlin and Flight models) have seemingly been easier to curl in a natural, logical manner.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Las Vegas had the worst rushing offense in the league last year, and with Geno Smith now tied down at quarterback, a running back would be a logical pick for new coach Pete Carroll.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • That would give it around 240 miles of range in the real world, which is reasonable.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The plaintiffs’ argument broadens the scope of EPCA beyond reasonable bounds, District Judge Ronnie Abrams wrote in the court’s opinion.
    — Akielly Hu, Wired News, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • What’s worse, the White House has failed to mount a coherent campaign to explain the stakes to the American people.
    — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Isolationism as a Slur In the postwar era, isolationism devolved from a coherent strategic perspective into a term of political derision.
    — Andrew Latham, JSTOR Daily, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Estate planning allows people to make rational decisions about their assets, free from the iron grip of bloodline expectations.
    — Ashley Case, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Financial behaviors like spending and saving are not solely based on rational decisions.
    — Brian Lasher, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • On the bright side, healthy lifestyle choices, such as a good diet and regular exercise, offer even greater heart health protection for women.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Any good headphones already do this to a certain extent.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • Eros hates domesticity; Eros hates a sensible choice.
    — James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
  • However, all the mysteries have so far been solved with sensible explanations.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of sensible

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valiants
valid
validate
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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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