valid

adjective

val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
Synonyms of valid
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 How to pronounce valid (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of valid

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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 The agreement is no longer valid under international law.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
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.
No employees at the time had valid food handler cards or a manager card available. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 The broader concession that all three patents are valid and enforceable therefore came from Linctex through the settlement, not from the judge. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026 Mateta took his case to the Premier League, arguing that the contract was not valid. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Once the requirement is fully in force, carriers will verify that eligible travelers have valid authorization before allowing them to board. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for valid

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of valid was in 1571

Rhymes for valid

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Browse Nearby Words

valiantness
valid
validate
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Cite this Entry

“Valid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valid. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈval-əd How to pronounce valid (audio)
1
: legally binding
2
: founded on truth or fact
a valid argument
validly adverb

Legal Definition

valid

adjective
val·​id ˈva-ləd How to pronounce valid (audio)
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 How to pronounce valid (audio)
noun
validly adverb
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