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

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 Immigrants should also demand face-to-face consultations and a valid office address before hiring anyone. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Several experts said the rule change, if implemented judiciously, could alleviate the backlog without leading to a surge in detentions or denials of valid asylum claims. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The companion fare is valid on round-trip or one-way saver or main cabin economy flights within North America with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 29 July 2026 Those laws establish rules determining who inherits property when someone dies without a valid will. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

More importantly, the researchers found that the effective logical error rate was 10 times lower than the physical error rate.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
The Cardinals needed an available reliever more than a starter recovering from a 77-pitch appearance, making Dobbins the logical roster casualty despite his otherwise solid work during his first extended opportunity in the major leagues.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

The example demonstrates how an owner might maintain an attractive base rate while making a reasonable margin through relevant extras.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The three-prospect package going to the Tigers seems like a reasonable price for two months of a pitcher who underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow in May.

— Andy McCullough, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

Maintaining a coherent strategy across a sprawling national security bureaucracy becomes more difficult over the course of a long conflict.

— Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026
Characters must be coherent; plots must be tight and any gaps in the plot must be patched.

— Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 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

If writing a 10-page proposal yields $30,000 in capital faster than closing 50 cold calls, a rational business owner will devote their afternoons to proposal writing.

— AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
So much for the rational part of an exasperating season that marked the first time since 2014 that the Chiefs failed to make the playoffs.

— Vahe Gregorian July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

Even the Brewers, the leaders for team ERA, added another good arm just for safe measure.

— Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Chef Iñigo Lavado spent years hopping between Europe’s best kitchens, including Alain Ducasse and Ferran Adriá, before opening his namesake restaurant in the neighboring city of Irún in 2004.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

Most sensible observers will recognise that his level of influence sits somewhere in the middle.

— Gregg Evans, New York Times, 31 July 2026
By Season 6, however, Schroeder had evolved into the most sensible person on the Bravo hit, and her love affair with Beau Clark won over the audience’s hearts.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 30 July 2026

Definition of sensible

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“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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