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 reward is limited to one per app user and is valid only on July 3, Rita's said. Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Riders need a valid driver’s license plus the motorcycle endorsement. Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026 As with all high-profile comic book movies these days, leaks and insider scoops are everywhere, some valid, some not. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 If a valid claim is submitted by the deadline, any payment will be issued only if the settlement receives final court approval and becomes effective. Tiago Ventura, Time, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid
Adjective
  • Gatewood agrees that Chessy was a logical addition from the Wonderland canon.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
  • Jeff Hettick, vice president of Agile Mission Systems at GA-ASI, said adapting those capabilities to maritime operations was a logical next step.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Part of what’s at work is a reasonable desire to give a party with more than its share of grizzled congressional veterans a jolt of youthful energy.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • This week prosecutors need only demonstrate that there are reasonable grounds to believe Robinson killed Kirk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • Editorially, the biggest challenge was giving the film a coherent throughline that interpreted the events for audiences in a comprehensible and entertaining way.
    Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
  • But expansion that reinforces a coherent brand thesis and solves an actual customer need?
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 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
  • While shocking, the Australian Space Agency said there’s a completely rational, albeit cosmic, explanation.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • But for now, the decline of reading seems to be ushering in a less rational, analytical, and sophisticated mode of thinking.
    Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • From here, the Manchester City defender sprints into the six-yard box to meet the corner, forcing a good save from Dominik Livakovic, with his team-mates unable to scramble the ball over the line.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Graham, who had turned 71 just two days before passing away on Saturday night, was far younger than many of his Senate colleagues and appeared to have been in good health.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • That victory led, four years later, to the Coastal Act and creation of the Coastal Commission, whose job was to balance sensible development, habitat protection and conservation, and equitable public access.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • Doctors need to know enough to have sensible, guiding conversations with their patients about dosage and consumption, among other things.
    Peter Grinspoon, STAT, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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