VALID Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

valid

adjective

ˈva-ləd

Definition of valid

as in logical

according to the rules of logic your argument isn't valid because you're taking what should be the conclusion and using it as a premise

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in reasonable

based on sound reasoning or information only further investigation will show whether your theory is valid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Camelback hydration packs are not allowed Medication — with prescription documentation and a matching a valid photo ID. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026 The ruling addressed whether that complaint stated a valid legal claim. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Unlike an e-bicycle, the e-motorcycle requires a valid motorcycle license to use on the street, including a DMV registration, a license plate, insurance and full motorcycle equipment. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 The company regained its installation license through a lower court decision in February and subsequently told investors the permit would remain valid until 2029. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

Our tortured contemporary education is a logical outgrowth of its origin story.

— Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
But with wingers like Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper, the logical spot for her was striker.

— Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

The old boy was perfectly reasonable, explaining the difference between federal reimbursement and state reimbursement, and the speed that agencies move on the different levels.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
The enforcement stems from Spotify’s requirement that family plan members reside at the same address—a seemingly reasonable policy in concept.

— Nick Indge, ArsTechnica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasonable

Adjective

Brands must increasingly decide how to combine trade fairs, showroom partnerships, existing buyer relationships and direct retail into a coherent sales strategy.

— Yiling Pan, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
The technician gets one coherent answer instead of four tools to reconcile by hand, and the plant avoids the downtime that used to depend on one retiring expert’s memory.

— Osman Koc, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of coherent

Adjective

But that won’t keep them from trying, and when people’s passions are aroused, and emotions crowd out reasoned thought, anything can happen.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026
In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.

— Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

Sometimes our rational understanding of life and death bumps into a seemingly impossible presence.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
So in the short term, these employers are arguably making an economically rational decision — but one that may still come at their employees’ expense.

— Dylan Scott, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of rational

Adjective

Before expanding cameras into every neighborhood, there are more sensible, actionable solutions.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
The California Coastal Act just turned 50, balancing sensible development with conservation and public access.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensible

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Style

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of valid

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