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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 Not only did the proposal show that such a mission is valid, parts of it, such as the orbital tour, could be used by other missions. Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Does the online platform keep a master list of every valid credit card number to compare your entry against? Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2025 Others think the city could do more, not only to accommodate the heavy presence of golf carts, but to ensure children without a valid driver’s license aren’t operating the vehicles. Kairi Lowery, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025 Bring-a-friend tickets are valid through the end of the 2025 season at the park where the pass was purchased. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Determining adjacent products like donuts for coffee and chips for sodas is logical.
    Tamara Bebb, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Many have read Gödel and come away chastened by the limits of certainty—without concluding, as Richardson did, that the logical next step was to spend your life playing cards and paying prostitutes.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Regardless of what the future holds, Roman Anthony has set himself and his family up for life, and the Red Sox have locked in yet another piece of their future at a reasonable rate.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a reasonable fear, especially considering what happened the last time Cunningham mentioned the trend, that this would only attract additional misogynistic attacks.
    Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Under the current system, in which benefits are based on a worker’s contributions, the only coherent way to raise the revenue needed to close the remaining gap would be by increasing the payroll tax.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The world no longer presents itself in coherent phrases.
    Alaa Alqaisi August 13, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Sir Charlie Mayfield, a stalwart of the UK business community and advisor to Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, has recently been quoted in The Times stating that employers have a ‘rational’ fear of hiring disabled staff.
    Nancy Doyle, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • The irony was that Harlem’s numbers queen, a model of rational risk-taking, found herself in a love triangle with a dream-book mystic—then took to the newspapers to denounce Futtam’s obvious impostures.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • His best figures of 4-19 came in a fiery spell against Worcestershire.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Warmer times are best for training a puppy, as much more time can be spent outside.
    Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • So Bull does what any sensible, testicle-loving mutt would do.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Leeds United & Burnley A Championship title, 100 points, sensible owners, Elland Road redevelopment plans and seven new signings worth around £75million ($101m) before the end of July.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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