Definition of validnext
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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 Pham said a valid judicial warrant should include a federal court name, a judge’s signature, a clear address and a specific date and time. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2026 Police said the victim, who has a valid CCL, fired multiple shots at the men. Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 Each Free Night Award is valid at hotels costing up to 50,000 points per night. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026 The committee filed a lawsuit this month in Leon County circuit court after the number of valid signatures shown on the Division of Elections website remained at 675,307 for about two months. News Service Of Florida, Sun Sentinel, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • That focus on efficiency included a coldly logical approach to salary-cap management, and an update of the bruising defense that Belichick had pioneered with 49ers old rivals, the 1980s iteration of the New York Giants.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has taken this tradition to its logical extreme by exempting from legal consequences his supporters and those following his instructions—seeming to assert his supremacy over not just federal but state laws, which exceeds even the wide powers conferred by the Constitution.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Columbia Heights was as prepared for an immigration crackdown as could be reasonably expected of any community or school system—but there has been nothing reasonable about the ICE terror campaign.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Finding that type of player, for a reasonable price, is the difficult part.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Each issue curates essays, interviews, frameworks, and visual explainers that add up to a coherent exploration of a topic that matters.
    Daphne Koller, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • This is where disparate clips, resolutions, and sound sources are unified into a coherent narrative.
    Paul Ratner, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The ledger is the foundation of reasoned conclusion.
    Big Think, Big Think, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Anyone who has made an impulsive decision in a moment of intense emotion knows that feelings shape our choices just as much as rational thought.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There was no rational administration.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Parents can now set daily time limits or block Shorts entirely, depending on what works best for their household.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Fan and critical consensus touted Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant-if-too-breezy GNX as one of 2024’s best and most successful rap albums.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Savvy therapists are leveraging AI in sensible and vital ways.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Villa’s second goal came from a sensible decision by Morgan Rogers after an attacking corner was cleared.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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