pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd 
prō-
1
a
: having intellectual depth and insight
b
: difficult to fathom or understand
2
a
: extending far below the surface
b
: coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated
a profound sigh
3
a
: characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
b
: all encompassing : complete
profound sleep
profound deafness
pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd
prō-
archaic
: something that is very deep
specifically
: the depths of the sea
Synonyms
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.
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 WebChristian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
The truth is, our intentional actions multiplied by millions of working adults, can have a profound cascading effect on addressing the worse effects of climate change.
—Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
For Kumar-Singh, a recent breast cancer diagnosis was a profound shock to her life as a physician and teacher.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 Oct. 2024
This deeply resonates with Scorpio’s innate desire for profound change and spiritual awakening.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for profound 
Adjective
Some scenes are more profound than others, but Gutnik’s willingness to let people speak for themselves creates some undeniably interesting moments.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Oct. 2024
The truth is, our intentional actions multiplied by millions of working adults, can have a profound cascading effect on addressing the worse effects of climate change.
—Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
For Kumar-Singh, a recent breast cancer diagnosis was a profound shock to her life as a physician and teacher.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 25 Oct. 2024
This deeply resonates with Scorpio’s innate desire for profound change and spiritual awakening.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for profound
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'profound.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profound. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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