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

• analytic
• analytical
• coherent
• consequent
• good
• logical
• rational
• reasonable
• sensible
• sound
• well-founded
• well-grounded

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The agreement is no longer valid under international law.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

Valley Metro will recognize Footprint Center 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, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024

The number of Americans holding valid U.S. passports has grown at roughly 10% faster than the population over the past three decades, said Jay Zagorsky, an economist at Boston University. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 13 June 2024

Kelley testified via video that his campaign paid Petition Reeds LLC $15,000 to get 3,000 valid signatures from voters for the 2022 gubernatorial race. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 13 June 2024

The vouchers are valid for six months from the day they’re received and can be used on a future one-time purchase, according to administrators. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

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

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