valid

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adjective val·id \ˈva-ləd\

Definition of valid

1 : having legal efficacy or force; especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities a valid contract
2a : well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful a valid theoryb : 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

validity

play \və-ˈli-də-tē, va-\ noun

validly

play \ˈva-ləd-lē\ adverb

See valid defined for English-language learners

See valid defined for kids

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The agreement is no longer valid under international law.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 of valid from the Web

The laissez-passer was valid for two weeks, from Dec. 14 to Dec. 28, 2014.

— chicagotribune.com, "Inside Israel's secret program to get rid of African refugees", 5 July 2017
Immigration officials were instructed Thursday not to block anyone with valid travel documents and otherwise eligible to visit the United States.

— alicia a. caldwell, The Seattle Times, "More court challenges expected for Trump’s new travel ban", 30 June 2017
A valid military ID must be presented at Kings Island to take advantage of this offer.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Free admission to Kings Island Saturday through Tuesday", 30 June 2017
In the abstract, that’s a perfectly valid critique.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "Is this tweet from Sean Spicer cynical or simply out of touch with reality?", 28 June 2017
There are plenty of valid reasons why not to double-up in states anymore, but all that really matters is influential SEC leaders don't want to.

— john talty, AL.com, "SEC Expansion: Why the Big 12 is the key to SEC adding more schools", 27 June 2017
Grace-Jones ruled that was not a valid defense and levied a fine.

— susannah nesmith, miamiherald, "Red-light camera ticket? What it will cost depends on where you got it.", 19 June 2017
The Biblioteca Ambrosiana is open to readers 16 and older with a valid ID such as a passport.

— david laskin, New York Times, "The Hidden Treasures in Italian Libraries", 13 June 2017
But organic shapes or shapes that don't repeat in a regular pattern are also valid tessellations.

— evelyn lamb, Scientific American Blog Network, "For World Tessellation Day, Remember to Look Down", 12 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valid'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of valid

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

NEW!

First Known Use: 1571

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

VALID Defined for English Language Learners

valid

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adjective

Definition of valid for English Language Learners

: fair or reasonable
: acceptable according to the law

VALID Defined for Kids

valid

play

adjective val·id \ˈva-ləd\

Definition of valid for Students

1 : having legal force or effect a valid driver's license
2 : based on truth or fact She had a valid excuse for missing practice.

validly

adverb

Law Dictionary

valid

play

adjective val·id \ˈva-ləd\

Legal Definition of valid

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