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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sound

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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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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

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
But Sturm sounded somewhat lukewarm about it for the near future. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026 Because right now, the conversation sounds too much like the NBA’s. Candace Buckner, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Noun
Music, silence, and sound design shape Niki’s identity, with the auditory experience drawing parallels between piano tuning and safecracking to immerse audiences in the film’s world. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 May 2026 Set in the 1950s with Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash, Vought will give the composers new sounds with which to play. Fred Topel, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Adjective
The drop also brings back the original Orchid colorway, plus its now-signature orange case, and marks the full rollout of Pistil, a companion plugin that ports Orchid’s sound engine into DAWs on Mac and Windows. Spin Staff, SPIN, 5 May 2026 Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Adjective
  • Thus, if here is any short-term rotation out of technology after its historic rally, financials could become a logical area for investors to revisit.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 6 May 2026
  • Each one takes just as much computing work as the last one, regardless of whether the token is just a filler word in an output or a key piece of information in a complex logical problem.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • For most healthy adults, the occasional cola—such as a few servings per week—is unlikely to affect the kidneys in any measurable way.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 2 May 2026
  • Unlike colon or breast cancer, there is no routine screening for pancreatic cancer in healthy people.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 2 May 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
  • Organizing that chaos into a coherent blockbuster format is a key part of the assignment here.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026
  • What is new, and what may have been the draw for those just tuning in, is a sense the race is finally taking a coherent shape, with Xavier Becerra unexpectedly emerging as the candidate to beat.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 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 8 May. 2026.

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