1
as in limits
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
colored outside the bounds of the drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in defines
to mark the limits of
the country is bounded by water on two sides
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in borders
to serve as a border for
being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bounds
Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
The idiocy of these people knows no bounds.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
There are no formal entry points, and welcome signs mark the park’s bounds.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
Made for only $150,000 in 1974, the original movie pushed the bounds of the genre and became one of the most profitable movies ever made.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Hart opened the night by chesting up Johnson and forcing a fumble out of bounds.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
This settlement delivers accountability and oversight, ensuring that any business Hanover Armory does must be within the bounds of the law.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
The question was not out of bounds, but Fudd and the Wings were certainly within their rights to decline to answer.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Of those, just a handful of those searches were found to have been outside the bounds of the guidelines.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2026
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Her 3-point shooting has jumped leaps and bounds from the early part of her college career.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Taking photos with the device so many people have in their pockets is leaps and bounds beyond photography equipment used during Apollo 17 – even the 1960s-era 35mm camera.
—Jennifer Levasseur, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
Star has grown by leaps and bounds the past decade and a half.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Noah’s technical ability on snare drum is leaps and bounds ahead of other students his age, and his consistently excellent drumming anchors our drumline’s sound.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
In the special filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Fleming bounds across the stage sharing his takes on masculinity, conga lines, Trader Joes, Oreos, NPR, dog breeds and more.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
The Storm took advantage of a huge personal foul penalty after Elijhah Badger had caught a 13-yard pass from Plummer and was standing out of bounds.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026
The idiocy of these people knows no bounds.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
There are no formal entry points, and welcome signs mark the park’s bounds.
—Andrea Bussell, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026
Made for only $150,000 in 1974, the original movie pushed the bounds of the genre and became one of the most profitable movies ever made.
—Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Hart opened the night by chesting up Johnson and forcing a fumble out of bounds.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
This settlement delivers accountability and oversight, ensuring that any business Hanover Armory does must be within the bounds of the law.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
The question was not out of bounds, but Fudd and the Wings were certainly within their rights to decline to answer.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
Of those, just a handful of those searches were found to have been outside the bounds of the guidelines.
—Emily Brooks, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sister typically bounds around on their walks, but Bowen said the tiny dog kept sitting still on the road.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Her 3-point shooting has jumped leaps and bounds from the early part of her college career.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Taking photos with the device so many people have in their pockets is leaps and bounds beyond photography equipment used during Apollo 17 – even the 1960s-era 35mm camera.
—Jennifer Levasseur, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
Star has grown by leaps and bounds the past decade and a half.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Noah’s technical ability on snare drum is leaps and bounds ahead of other students his age, and his consistently excellent drumming anchors our drumline’s sound.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
In the special filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Fleming bounds across the stage sharing his takes on masculinity, conga lines, Trader Joes, Oreos, NPR, dog breeds and more.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bounds. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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