Synonyms of valid

valid

adjective

ˈva-ləd 

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

• logical
• reasonable
• coherent
• rational
• good
• sensible
• analytic
• empirical
• sound
• justifiable
• consequent
• well-founded
• well-grounded
• a priori
• cognitive
• supportable
• defensible
• sustainable
• tenable
• syllogistic
• maintainable
• defendable
• a posteriori

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invalid
• unreasonable
• weak
• irrational
• illegitimate
• illogical
• unsound
• misleading
• incoherent
• inconsequential
• specious
• fallacious
• sophistic
• casuistic
• stupid
• unscientific
• unarticulated
• absurd
• inconsequent
• insane
• mad
• crazy
• nonsensical
• preposterous
• eristic
• fatuous
• nutty
• loony
• thoughtless
• daffy
• simpleminded
• harebrained
• unconvincing
• witless
• senseless
• cockeyed
• weak-minded
• half-baked
• half-witted
• uncompelling

2

as in reasonable

based on sound reasoning or information

only further investigation will show whether your theory is valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

• logical
• reasonable
• reasoned
• good
• sensible
• rational
• justified
• true
• solid
• hard
• informed
• validated
• well-founded
• plausible
• commonsense
• sober
• firm
• just
• real
• credible
• actual
• commonsensible
• commonsensical
• convincing
• levelheaded
• certain
• substantiated
• sure
• confirmed
• certified
• cogent
• verified
• corroborated
• colorable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• invalid
• unreasonable
• irrational
• illogical
• unfounded
• unjustified
• unsound
• uninformed
• nonsensical
• groundless
• unsupported
• nonrational
• unwarranted
• unsubstantiated
• weak
• unreasoned
• nonvalid
• implausible
• unconvincing
• flimsy
• false
• misguided
• fallacious
• misled

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

Recent Examples of valid

And while grief is different for everyone, experts say collective or public grief is a valid experience and can be exacerbated when the death of a public figure is learned unexpectedly in the news or on social media. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 15 June 2026

In 2005, Germany adopted legislation asking public authorities to report migrants without valid residency status, potentially leading to their deportation. —Claudia Ciobanu, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026

As the team gets older and gains experience, the immaturity label won’t be a valid excuse. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

There’s actually a valid explanation as to why. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 15 June 2026