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

Providing access to entertainment, opportunities for a richer social life and the ability to speak and be heard to hundreds of millions will mark a profound improvement in humankind’s aggregate quality of life. — The Economist, "How the world’s poor are discovering leisure online," 8 June 2019 Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk have always kept their relationship private, but in the months before their split, the actor and director opened up about the profound impact both Shayk and their young daughter have had on him. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "All the Sweet Things Bradley Cooper Said About Irina Shayk and Their Family Ahead of Split," 7 June 2019 Between Kidman’s tight, interior performance and Weigert’s gentle but ruthless portrayal of a woman shredding Celeste’s layers of denial, Big Little Lies gave a profound treatment to domestic abuse and its impact. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Family Values of Big Little Lies," 7 June 2019 Now, even the College Board, owner of the SAT, acknowledges that testing alone is no equalizer in a society with profound inequities of opportunity. — The Washington Post, nola.com, "SAT’s new adversity score system faces its own adversity," 4 June 2019 Meeting him would have a profound impact on my high school career, and my life. — Deadra Albrecht-frasch, Daily Southtown, "Guest column: Richards band director retires, but his impact on students will last a lifetime," 3 June 2019 For gun control to happen in the United States, nothing short of profound limitations on purchasing and selling weapons must be implemented. — Vogue, "The Year in School Shootings," 2 June 2019 This signifies a profound shift in the economy in recent years. — Greg Ip, WSJ, "If the Economy Booms, Thank Software," 29 May 2019 The explosion killed 22 people and wounded dozens of others, and has had a profound impact on the singer-songwriter-actress. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "How Ariana Grande Quietly, Powerfully Remembered the Manchester Bombing on Its Anniversary," 23 May 2019

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.