valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
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 adverb
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 The agreement is no longer valid under international law.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
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.
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day. Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025 Westchester Cultural Arts Center, 7930 SW 40th St., Miami COST: $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and students with valid ID. Maité Hernández-Lorenzo Artburst Miami, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Only the team knows how valid those concerns are, but the manifestations of a weak culture have been evident. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Elevators in both buildings have valid certificates to operate. Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for valid

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of valid was in 1571

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valid. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈval-əd How to pronounce valid (audio)
1
: legally binding
2
: founded on truth or fact
a valid argument
validly adverb

Legal Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
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 noun
validly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on valid

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