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 All students from Pittsburgh Public Schools will need to present a valid student ID to get into the stadium, and students from outside the district will be required to show a current ID from their school. — Mike Darnay, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Historical comparisons are not exact, as the stock used to trade on the Nasdaq, though the context is considered valid by market watchers. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old, and travelers must provide a valid health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026 The ballots were mailed to the correct voters, are still valid and can be completed and returned normally by those voters, the recorder’s office said in a statement. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

Overall, the feasibility study said the annexation area represents a logical extension of the city’s existing urban development pattern.

— Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
But when considering your approach, know that what seems logical and well-meaning to you may be unhelpful or even harmful.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

While the first version of OpenAI’s GPT language model could barely write a few paragraphs of coherent text, its newest models can solve mathematics problems that have stumped humans for the better part of a century.

— Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
Toward the most coherent expression of the California possibility.

— Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of coherent

Adjective

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
None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adjective

Lucy’s constant sense of invention sometimes falters under the album’s new, megawatt spotlight, lacking the enticing mystery that gives their best music its power.

— H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Among those surveyed, Latinos who didn’t vote in 2024 were more likely than those who had voted to have economic frustrations, like struggling to earn enough money or find a good job.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

Ending animal agriculture alone won’t solve the political and economic causes of food insecurity, but that doesn’t make the system sensible.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
Tableware Deals With holiday hosting season a few weeks out, now is a sensible time to stock up on glassware and flatware.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensible

Browse Nearby Words

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“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of valid

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