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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 When traveling internationally, many countries require American passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of a trip and some airlines won't allow travelers to board a flight if that's not the case, according to the State Department. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025 The bills are still valid but mostly with collectors, according to the Bureau. Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Immigrants residing in the country both illegally and legally, with valid documentation, including green cards and visas, have been detained. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025 But Drinkwitz made some logical and valid points in reiterating his faith in Pribula, who transferred to Mizzou after last season. Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • On one hand, winning another chip will be at the forefront, so managing players toward the end of the regular season would be logical.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • So adding a unit in Nashville was the next logical move.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There's no-contact check-in and the rooms are reasonable.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Injecting an element of randomness and uncertainty into the process is reasonable, given that in the real world, measurements are never exact.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Gazan leadership fell into refusals and delays without any coherent strategy.
    Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In 2019, the predecessor to ChatGPT was barely able to string a coherent sentence together; just three years later, fed with more data and computing power, ChatGPT became a world sensation.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Deliberative democracy is the idea that decision-making and governance are arrived at through thoughtful, reasoned and respectful dialogue.
    Lee Bebout, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Because we are trained to constantly analyze facts and then take a rational decision based on facts.
    Ayesha Javed, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Reducing disclosures and transparency means choking off the lifeblood, which keeps investors informed and prices rational.
    Richard Torrenzano, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Arkansas’ best offense in a decade is being wasted by a defense that is shaping up to be one of the worst in program history.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's the reasons why investing in this model is the most sensible option of the season.
    Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Even sensible yet fashionable sneakers are on sale, with the New Balance T500 Tennis Sneakers making an unbeatable selection for $80.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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