sound 1 of 5

Definition of soundnext
1
as in to echo
to continue or be repeated in a series of reflected sound waves the stranded hiker's cries for help sounded throughout the canyon

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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sound

2 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to scale
to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line the pilot sounded the river to make sure we weren't in any danger of running aground

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2
as in to plunge
to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sound

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noun (1)

as in hearing
range of hearing wandered off, out of her parents' sight and sound

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sound

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noun (2)

as in strait
a narrow body of water between two land masses Long Island Sound is between Connecticut and Long Island, New York

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sound

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, 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 sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, 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 sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, 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 sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, 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 sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, 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 sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

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 sound
Verb
That sounds like a future leader. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026 On its own, that may sound similar to other suborbital missions. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
The floor absorbs sound, and the only light shone from a hole at the top of the tent. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 1 May 2026 That’s the sound of the starting pistol being fired on the race to the bottom. Robert Johnson, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
Adjective
Arden and Jen Schriever add a lighting design that pairs perfectly with Adam Fisher’s sound design to nail the jump scares. Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026 This reusable device is equipped with a rechargeable battery and an easy-to-use top ring that activates the alarm and 120 minutes of continuous strobe light and sound. Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Adjective
  • Berman and Kessler argue this is a logical and organic pivot for MMRs.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • However, a resignation or even a leave of absence now looks like a logical outcome.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Collins, Higgins and a healthy Tank Dell could be a lot of fun together.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Planting a tree is an investment in a future with more beauty and shade, less air pollution and flooding, and many other good things that a healthy canopy of trees brings to us and our communities.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The 28-meter (92-foot) tall maypole was lifted horizontally on wooden carts and pulled into the village by two sturdy horses from the local beer brewery.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • These knives also feature a sturdy spine for extra heft and durability.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • But security experts say the name may be a flag of convenience rather than a coherent group, and its claims should be treated with caution.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Within mathematics, a better marketing campaign would probably look like a coherent theory, the kind Nelson sought — a set of formal rules, like those underlying modern math, that excludes infinity but is powerful enough to do useful mathematics.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Get well Dodger friend and may God bless you and your family.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Evans and his backers were rational actors inside an irrational system.
    Big Think, Big Think, 1 May 2026
  • By any rational examination, there are more people on Rikers than need to be for public safety.
    Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Its robust lineup is often highlighted by these in-person events, which fete all manner of talents and their projects, both new and older.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The company claims that the latest announcement bolsters Australia’s industrial capacity, to design, build and sustain key defence assets, while ensuring a robust supply chain.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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