valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd 

1

: having legal efficacy or force

especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities

a valid contract

2

a

: well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful

a valid theory

b

: logically correct

a valid argument

valid inference

3

: appropriate to the end in view : effective

every craft has its own valid methods

4

of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification

validly

ˈva-ləd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of valid

• logical
• reasonable
• coherent
• rational
• good
• sensible

Choose the Right Synonym for valid

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling 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

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of valid in a Sentence

There is no valid reason to proceed with the change.

Her objections were completely valid.

You make a valid point.

You must present valid identification.

Their marriage is not legally valid.

The agreement is no longer valid under international law.

Recent Examples on the Web

His February 2024 reelection — with nearly 85% of the valid votes — was highly criticized by constitutional scholars for violating a ban on consecutive reelection. — ABC News, 13 July 2026

With a roster full of players from major European teams and 13 who were World Cup veterans, a lack of quality and experience no longer were valid excuses. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Many detainees with valid or pending legal claims simply couldn’t stand to be held there any longer. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

With a roster full of players from major European teams and 13 who were World Cup veterans, a lack of quality and experience no longer was a valid excuse. — Kevin Baxter, Twin Cities, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French or Latin; Middle French valide "in good health, having legal force," borrowed from Latin validus "in good health, robust, potent, having legal authority," adjective derivative from the base of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for valid

• ballad
• pallid
• salad

Kids Definition

valid

adjective

val·​id ˈval-əd 

1

: legally binding

2

: founded on truth or fact

a valid argument

validly adverb

Legal Definition

valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd 

1

: having legal efficacy or force

a valid license

especially : executed with proper authority and form

a valid contract

a valid search

2

: having a legitimate basis : justifiable

a valid reason for terminating the employee

3

: appropriate to the end in view

validity

və-ˈli-də-tē 

noun

validly adverb