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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 Opinions were mixed over whether or not the OP’s feelings are valid. Toria Sheffield, People.com, 1 June 2025 The advisory is valid from 10 p.m. until Wednesday, May. 28 at 2 a.m. Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 31 May 2025 On Friday at 12:27 p.m. a red flag warning was issued by the NWS Reno NV valid from Saturday 11 a.m. until Sunday 11 p.m. for Southern Mono County. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025 According to the airline, this sale is valid on flights departing between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, 2025. Andrew Kunesh, Travel + Leisure, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • But there’s little logical argument for keeping him on.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • This is a logical form of thinking in the sense that AGI as an intellectual mechanism would be unable to compete in jobs that involve hands-on work.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Under coach Manolo González, Espanyol has just placed a reasonable 14th in La Liga.
    Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Like when Jesse makes the perfectly reasonable decision not to mount a doomed attempt to save a cultist when they're outnumbered by WLF members.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Create a coherent narrative showing your evolution.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • During generation, Veo 3 starts with random noise and a text prompt, then iteratively refines that noise into a coherent video that matches the description.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • And, of course, doing all these things in the presence of clients just shows a complete lack of rational thought.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 29 May 2025
  • This is a state where each person settles on a strategy that feels rational given everyone else’s, even if the group as a whole is stuck in mediocrity.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The win was the fifth in a row for Detroit and 20th in its last 28 games, and raised its division-leading record to 35-21, good for a .655 winning percentage.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • What about clubs leveraged to the sky by private individuals – is that good?
    Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • That never was a sensible move for fiscal and other reasons.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
  • If only Larry Hogan had been prescient enough to choose a successor who would have continued his sensible moderate policies under eight more years of Republican rule.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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