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 next

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 The current generation of tools presents a valid use case for those looking to streamline processes and maintain accurate records. —

Jason Foodman, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 However, it is highly regulated and requires a valid photo ID for purchase.78 Other than ephedrine, the ECA stack includes caffeine and aspirin.2 Caffeine or aspirin might be present in your other medications, such as OTC migraine or headache medications. —

Ross Phan, Pharmd, Bcacp, Bcgp, Bcps, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 Still others, however, agreed that the OP was valid for her reaction, but argued that her BFF’s intentions were less sinister than meets the eye. —

Bailey Richards, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025 Lyft is offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now (January 10) until midnight on January 15. —

Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for valid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for valid

Adjective

In the absence of that, there may be a need for an arbiter, with Igbokwe and Berwick’s boss, Langley, as the logical choice.

— Peter White, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
The policy becomes logical when considering the incubation periods of STDs and how those timelines differ between illnesses.

— Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025