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 The driver of the car that hit her, Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, was arrested and charged with first degree homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to obey a traffic control device, according to the Chatham County Police. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026 Documents returned to the state agency showed that the five members lived outside the district and did not appear to have a valid deed for property with the district, the lawsuit alleges. Nick Wooten, Dallas Morning News, 16 Feb. 2026 Lopez is facing multiple charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to obey a traffic control device. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026 Whether or not consumers have the means to buy all those Funkos is a valid question. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Whether your companion’s vibe is emotional or logical, try to harmonize with it.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Bruce Meyer, the union’s deputy executive director and lead negotiator, would be the most logical successor.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The prosecution detailed nine separate errors made by Plamberger during the climb—from failing to bring bivy gear to failing to abide by a reasonable turnaround time—which collectively suggest a charge of gross negligence.
    Owen Clarke, Outside, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Counties with moratoriums Counties use moratoriums to buy time to write new zoning and regulation for wind and solar farms, sometimes to craft reasonable laws and sometimes to craft bans.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Texas needs a coherent, regulated framework.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Every player had chosen a new note, no one had consulted, and yet the sound was ringingly coherent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Unlike the city of Poway, which favors hitching posts over parking meters, San Diego has elected to ignore all rational analyses of parking fee options, in favor of looking at parking as a cash cow.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In 2026, China’s luxury sector is more selective, rational, and emotionally discerning than ever.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the city’s best restaurants and bars are both uptown and walkable, including breakfast juggernaut Cheeky’s and its adjacent pizza-pasta-patio hotspot Birba, farm-to-table fave Workshop, and cool cocktail den Tailor Shop.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Whichever silhouette you’re drawn to, their popularity lies in their chameleonic quality to look good with both neutrals, from white to black to shades of gray, and trending seasonal shades, like red and cobalt blue.
    Lucrezia Malavolta, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the high price point is less sensible.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Saka was substituted at half-time — a sensible move given the tie was won and Arsenal have two Premier League games next week, including a north London derby away against Tottenham.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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