1
2

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 Now, with the mayoral race in full swing, the city faces a choice: how to respond to the valid concerns of New Yorkers anxious about crime and disorder? Stanley Richards, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025 So that text of a irreversible path for Ukraine into NATO stands and is still totally valid. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025 One thing is clear: the very consistent uptrend that had been in place for over two years — from October 2022 through February 2025 — is no longer valid for XLC and the SPX. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025 His attorney said Kluge had valid reasons for missing those hearings. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • The logical conclusion is for the US to convert its gold holdings into bitcoin.
    Korok Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • That makes for a logical disconnect, and palpable hypocrisy.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But looking at the right benchmarks shows that post-neoliberal economic policy—evident to a large degree in the actions of the Biden administration—righted the ship and kept the country afloat and sailing at a reasonable clip.
    Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Read has pleaded not guilty, denied killing O'Keefe and alleged she is being framed, attempting to sow reasonable doubt in prosecutors' claims and asserting that someone else killed O'Keefe and had ties to and influence over the investigation.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His pledge to shift the agency’s posture toward coherent, forward-looking policy marks a significant departure from the SEC’s previous approach.
    Jason Brett, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Everyone is somehow still conscious and coherent enough to have a real conversation.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The economic idea that people are purely rational, self-serving beings has been undermined by broad research over decades into psychology and behavioral economics.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • That despite her reasoned, carefully articulated point to Joel, that this is not rational.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Okay, top-10 best movie entrance of all time for Blake Lively.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The forthcoming rain was good news for crews battling a wildfire in central New Jersey that erupted on April 22 and has consumed 12,250 acres.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Spectators got wind of the sensible footwear concealed by the Fiesta finery and began demanding to see the shoes.
    Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The only sensible pathway to being an AI Continent would be to promise that AI innovation is the highest priority.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!