sound 1 of 5

verb (1)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to seem
to give the impression of being the idea at least sounds plausible

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to announce
to make known openly or publicly the grand opening of the region's newest and largest mall has been loudly sounded for months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sound

2 of 5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to plunge
to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce sound (audio)
as in hearing
range of hearing wandered off, out of her parents' sight and sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

sound

4 of 5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

sound

5 of 5

adjective

1
as in logical
according to the rules of logic sound reasoning alone should tell you that the result is invalid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor the horse is getting along in years, but still perfectly sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the shed looks flimsy, but it's actually surprisingly sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
For years, emergency medicine professionals have been sounding the alarm. —Dr. Bryce Pulliam, Time, 24 Oct. 2025 This person had a posh English accent and sounded annoyed. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
Irie Nights invites the city out to dance, eat, and enjoy the best sounds from the islands to the motherland. —Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025 But there is some pleasing difference-splitting going on here, as sound goes. —Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
After the performance, each coach offered up some sound feedback. —Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025 Diego Andrés Martinelli — who helped open the music venue Public Records in New York City, where some of the world’s best DJs grace state-of-the-art sound systems — and sound engineer Darrien Williamson equipped the bar with its speakers, amplifiers, turntables and mixer. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
  1. logical
  2. healthy
  3. sturdy
  4. coherent
  5. well
  6. strong
  7. rational
  8. robust
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    — Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Use a simple ratio of 1 cup of fruit, 1 cup of greens, a source of protein, and healthy fat to create a satiating, balanced result.
    — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Thanks to her success, the celebrity chef has also been sharing her healthy recipes on social media and her Chloë’s Kitchen food blog.
    — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Any question which of those teams has a stout and sturdy offensive line?
    — Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Underwater performance inevitably loses some detail compared to traditional in-ear options, but the audio remains steady and coherent – ideal for pacing laps or long sessions where awareness and waterproofing matter more.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The organization has deeper roots in the Palestinian Territories, an ideological foundation similar to that of Hamas, coherent leadership, and—crucially—the sustained backing of Iran.
    — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Across the country—and especially in the South—plans are well in the works for Thanksgiving meals that will both satisfy and delight guests.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Over the weekend, the president fanned the flames of the trade war by threatening China with 100 percent tariffs over its imposition of export controls, only to insist, on Monday, that all was well with the bilateral trade relationship.
    — Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of well
Adjective
  • Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.
    — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • This season, fluorescent pink, blue and white formed a rational yet romantic palette — a vision of a young schoolgirl poised to step into the real world.
    — Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Their work could be a critical step toward the safe and rational decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and the technology could be applied to nuclear accident sites elsewhere in the world.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • While Tennessee’s robust food bank network provides support, the SNAP program covers almost 10 times the number of meals than food banks are able to provide.
    — Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025
  • While official figures show America's economy growing at a robust pace, a number of states are currently teetering on the edge of an economic downturn, according to Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of robust

Phrases Containing sound

Browse Nearby Words

soul-searchings
sound
sound bite
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on sound

Nglish: Translation of sound for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

And So It Begins: 9 Words for Beginnings

Why do we 'bury the lede?'
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All