valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd 

1

: having legal efficacy or force

especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities

a valid contract

2

a

: well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful

a valid theory

b

: logically correct

a valid argument

valid inference

3

: appropriate to the end in view : effective

every craft has its own valid methods

4

of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification

validly

ˈva-ləd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of valid

• logical
• reasonable
• coherent
• rational
• good
• sensible

Choose the Right Synonym for valid

valid, sound, cogent, convincing, telling 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

sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

Examples of valid in a Sentence

There is no valid reason to proceed with the change.

Her objections were completely valid.

You make a valid point.

You must present valid identification.

Their marriage is not legally valid.

The agreement is no longer valid under international law.

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the program, customers with a valid medical cannabis card or doctor’s recommendation to use medical cannabis can receive two free products per month. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The bottom line Creditors may ultimately be paid from the value of a deceased person's home in certain circumstances, and an estate may need to sell the property if there aren't enough other assets to satisfy valid claims. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

It's estimated that class members who submit a valid claim could receive up to $22, although the final amount will be impacted by the number of valid claims, payments to lead class members, legal fees, settlement administration and other expenses. — Brian Sloan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Kennywood will require guests 17 and under to be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older with a valid ID during Phantom Fall Festival in accordance with their adult chaperone policy. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French or Latin; Middle French valide "in good health, having legal force," borrowed from Latin validus "in good health, robust, potent, having legal authority," adjective derivative from the base of valēre "to have strength, be well" — more at wield

First Known Use

1571, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for valid

• ballad
• pallid
• salad

Kids Definition

valid

adjective

val·​id ˈval-əd 

1

: legally binding

2

: founded on truth or fact

a valid argument

validly adverb

Legal Definition

valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd 

1

: having legal efficacy or force

a valid license

especially : executed with proper authority and form

a valid contract

a valid search

2

: having a legitimate basis : justifiable

a valid reason for terminating the employee

3

: appropriate to the end in view

validity

və-ˈli-də-tē 

noun

validly adverb