profound

adjective

pro·found | \ prə-ˈfau̇nd

, prō-\

Definition of profound

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : having intellectual depth and insight

b : difficult to fathom or understand

2a : extending far below the surface

b : coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated a profound sigh

3a : characterized by intensity of feeling or quality

b : all encompassing : complete profound sleep profound deafness

profound

noun

pro·found | \ prə-ˈfau̇nd

, prō-\

Definition of profound (Entry 2 of 2)

archaic

: something that is very deep specifically : the depths of the sea

Other Words from profound Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about profound

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Other Words from profound

Adjective

profoundly \ prə-ˈfau̇n(d)-lē

, prō- \ adverb

profoundness \ prə-ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs

, prō- \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for profound

Synonyms: Adjective

abstruse, arcane, deep, esoteric, hermetic (also hermetical), recondite

Antonyms: Adjective

shallow, superficial

Examples of profound in a Sentence

Adjective

Here, for the first time, a journalist gains access to the archive of one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history. Its contents, as much literature as science, offer profound insight into the human condition—and into the brilliant, complex mind of the study's longtime director, George Vaillant. — Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009 This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life … — Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005 The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments. — Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002 Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness. — Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991 His knowledge of history is profound. Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage. the profound mysteries of outer space a profound sense of loss His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

This is my 10th birthday without you, and the pain is still profound. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Who Is Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's Brother Gabriel? He's an Artist and Musician," 8 Feb. 2019 The scene is a profound display of body positivity and the power of having role models and diverse representation. — Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Teen Vogue, ""Shrill," Starring Aidy Bryant, Is a Revolution for Fat Representation," 22 Mar. 2019 In brief remarks at a hotel in central Mexico City late Sunday, Lopez Obrador called for reconciliation after a polarizing campaign and promised profound change but with respect for the law and constitutional order. — Mark Stevenson, chicagotribune.com, "After winning election, Mexico's Lopez Obrador reaches out to Trump, seeks NAFTA deal," 2 July 2018 In brief remarks at a hotel in central Mexico City, Lopez Obrador called for reconciliation after a polarizing campaign and promised profound change but with respect for the law and constitutional order. — Mark Stevenson, Peter Orsi And Christopher Sherman, Houston Chronicle, "Mexico gives leftist Lopez Obrador big presidential win," 2 July 2018 In brief remarks at a hotel in central Mexico City, López Obrador called for reconciliation after a polarizing campaign and promised profound change that respects the law and constitutional order. — The Christian Science Monitor, "Mexico elects leftist López Obrador as president," 2 July 2018 That, and maybe one to two profound lifestyle changes. — Brennan Kilbane, GQ, "The Least Stressful Way to Get Rid of Stress," 16 May 2018 Russia is home to some of the largest cities in the Arctic, which are undergoing profound changes because of permafrost thaw. — Melody Schreiber, WIRED, "The Race to Save Arctic Cities As Permafrost Melts," 14 May 2018 Now, nearly two decades later, the state’s system for producing, selling and distributing energy is undergoing profound changes. — David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle, "California’s power grid is changing fast, and ‘we don’t have a plan’," 3 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'profound.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.