sough

verb

ˈsau̇ How to pronounce sough (audio)
Definition of soughnext
as in to sigh
to take in and let out a deep audible breath or to make a similar sound all night long the patient was soughing in her sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 sough The company joins others in the restaurant industry that have fallen on rough times and sough bankruptcy protection, including Razzoo’s and Bar Louie. — Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 27 Jan. 2026 Although the foundations of rooms remained, like lines of an architectural drawing expressed by pebbles laid end to end, only the chimney still loomed against that hill of dead leaves and leafless trees, while traffic soughed indifferently below. — William T. Vollmann, Harper's Magazine, 24 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sough
  1. sigh
  2. breathe
Verb
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankly accepted the boldness, Ashman sighed and football had its first example of many of Keegan’s awareness of his financial worth.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of sigh
Verb
  • Measles can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes, and the virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with infection leaves the area.
    — Jamie Gumbrecht, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Temperature control Unlike socks meant for casual wear, athletic socks’ design lets your feet breathe in hot weather, keeping them cool even on long runs or amid an intense game.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of breathe

Browse Nearby Words

soubrettes
sough
soughed
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Cite this Entry

“Sough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sough. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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