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 Offer is valid throughout October at participating Salt & Straw locations and is available to eligible patrons with an active subscription; each eligible subscriber may receive one complimentary scoop during the promotional period. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 In 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court rejected the companies’ argument, holding that the lawsuit is a valid legal challenge regarding public deception and local costs, rather than an impermissible attempt to regulate federal emissions. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 If fewer valid claims come in, the payment may increase to as much as $95 per eligible device. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Existing credentials will remain valid until their expiration dates, according to FLHSMV. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

Now five decades in the business, the company framed the launch as the next logical step for a brand with products that are built to last and to be passed on between friends, families, and now shoppers.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026
Eight of the trophies the club won under Mansour came during the years under investigation, so handing them over to the teams that finished behind City while following the rules seems like a logical solution.

— Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of logical

Adjective

Our responsibility is to provide accurate medical information, compassionate counseling and the full range of medically reasonable options so patients can make informed decisions consistent with their values.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
North Carolina has embraced pro-economic growth policies, like lower taxes and reasonable regulations.

— Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of reasonable

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

Humans, in contrast, have souls that are additionally capable of rational thought.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Investing more heavily in technology, shifting resources to a newer product line or exiting an activity with poor long-term economics are rational decisions.

— Erik Clarke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of rational

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

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“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/valid. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of valid

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