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 The employees – who Victory hires primarily through third parties and have valid work visas – had been cleared to enter the U.S. to work aboard the ships, the line confirmed. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 18 July 2025 The third step would be for a pope to recognize as valid a second miracle. —Maya Bell, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025 The free membership is valid for one year and can be renewed annually in person at the museum, located on West 81st St. and Central Park West. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025 But under the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies, staying in the country beyond the authorized date — even with a valid visa — can result in serious legal consequences. —Miami Herald, 18 July 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
  • Big consulting players like Bain & Company use online assessments to evaluate a candidate’s situational awareness, numerical and verbal aptitude, and logical reasoning before a technical interview is even scheduled.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Cutting ties with him doesn't seem logical at the moment.
    — Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Invoking Section 15 of Article 17, the NFL wants Droney to order payment of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs—about $12 million.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2025
  • This projection appears reasonable considering that the current effective tariff rate of the U.S. has increased five-fold this year to roughly 16% according to the Yale Budget Lab.
    — Nick Sargen, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of reasonable
Adjective
  • The master plan provides a coherent countywide path forward that can achieve economies of scale for managing our solid waste and better serve the health and well-being of our communities.
    — Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2025
  • In short, as with many pressing questions related to tariff policy, there is no coherent and unbiased economic consensus.
    — George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    — Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • A lot of court cases have been dealing with these cancellations as a group, highlighting the lack of scientific—or seemingly rational—input into the decisions to cut funding for entire categories of research.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Chef-owner Miguel Angel Jimenez is well worth consulting for the night’s specials and a wine from the impressively deep good list.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Heretofore, Raleigh’s best homer-hitting season was 34 in 2024.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of good
Adjective
  • The Hunting Wives consistently prioritizes steamy scenes over sensible plotting or nuanced characters, juicy twists over deep emotions or big ideas.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
  • But the different branches have been largely united over President Donald Trump’s accomplishments such as a stronger economy, a more efficient government and a more sensible approach to foreign affairs.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 18 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.

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