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

Celik seems attuned to such questions as a valid (if not necessarily revelatory) core for a play to circle around, but Cramer’s writing often feels caught between an exploration of comic diffidence and simply an expression of it. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Mar. 2026

The measure still needs nearly 875,000 valid signatures by June 24 to reach the November ballot. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026

Children must have valid Social Security numbers, and the taxpayer claiming the credit must be eligible to claim the child as a dependent. —Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Tickets that had been purchased for the original date are still valid. —Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 29 Mar. 2026