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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 program was also smart enough to create valid Lego designs free of errors that adhered to the text prompt 100% of the time. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 9 May 2025 Apple users who submit a valid claim can get up to $20 per eligible device, though final payments may be higher or lower depending on the number of claims submitted, administrators said. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025 There are valid criticisms of the work colleges and universities do, Cornwell added, but they are being met with a disproportionate response from the federal government. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2025 Hackers roll back a device’s clock to a time when expired security certificates were still valid. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Returning samples of the Martian surface to Earth for study is the logical next step in these efforts.
    Bruce Jakosky, Space.com, 14 May 2025
  • As a result, that has been seen as the most logical landing spot all along.
    Troy Finnegan‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is a very reasonable bet that something like this happens.
    Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • The Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower court to reconsider whether the shooting was reasonable under the lengthier timeframe that must be considered.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The way the series blended all these disparate elements into something not just coherent but transcendent was a stunning achievement.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 8 May 2025
  • Any possible legislation is seemingly ages away, as if Congress ever does a coherent job of policing big tech in the first place.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • What’s more, behavioral economics suggests that our deviations from rational, deliberate behavior has some predictable structure.
    Jens Ludwig, Time, 15 May 2025
  • The ban on water fluoridation by the Florida Legislature (SB 700) and the outspoken views of the state surgeon general are the antithesis of rational public health measures.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is also a good smattering of creations from Louis Vuitton, which is the show’s lead sponsor and where Virgil Abloh served as creative director of men’s collections and was succeeded by Pharrell Williams.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 5 May 2025
  • This is also a pivotal episode for Ellie and Dina, who get themselves into a good bit of trouble on their first day looking for Abby.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • With any luck these sensible changes will not be casualties of Trump’s high-risk omnibus strategy.
    Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 10 May 2025
  • Another year for Howard, who made nine league starts due to injury and loss of form among his younger peers, seems sensible, along with a loan elsewhere for Luke McNicholas.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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