1
as in limits
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
colored outside the bounds of the drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in defines
to mark the limits of
the country is bounded by water on two sides
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in borders
to serve as a border for
being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bounds
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
The arguments are expected to test the outer bounds of presidential authority over national security access, federal contracting, and executive branch control.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
During 40 minutes of arguments on April 28, Gallegos’ lawyers conceded that police should not have been at the Pecan Park home at the time of the shooting, but that Gallegos, who didn’t know about the falsified warrants, acted within the bounds of his role as an officer.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
The Supreme Court ruled that in order to show that a true threat is outside the bounds of the First Amendment, the government must demonstrate that a defendant had at least a subjective understanding of his statement's threatening nature.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 1 May 2026
When Marcello Hernández speaks, his voice takes ebullient leaps and bounds.
—Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Several legal experts at the time also said Comey's photo seemed to fall in the bounds of political speech protected by the First Amendment.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
And so what was once out of bounds continued to move within the Pale, and a scourge went on afflicting politicians and groypers and, yes, comedians alike.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Its water sample tested for dissolved solids, oil and grease, chlorides, sulfates, temperature and oxygen — all of which were within the bounds of Tesla’s permit.
—Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Her 3-point shooting has jumped leaps and bounds from the early part of her college career.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Taking photos with the device so many people have in their pockets is leaps and bounds beyond photography equipment used during Apollo 17 – even the 1960s-era 35mm camera.
—Jennifer Levasseur, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
Star has grown by leaps and bounds the past decade and a half.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Noah’s technical ability on snare drum is leaps and bounds ahead of other students his age, and his consistently excellent drumming anchors our drumline’s sound.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
In the special filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Fleming bounds across the stage sharing his takes on masculinity, conga lines, Trader Joes, Oreos, NPR, dog breeds and more.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
But Fredrik Berselius’s cooking is too weird and wild to fit the bounds of one creed.
—Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
The arguments are expected to test the outer bounds of presidential authority over national security access, federal contracting, and executive branch control.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
During 40 minutes of arguments on April 28, Gallegos’ lawyers conceded that police should not have been at the Pecan Park home at the time of the shooting, but that Gallegos, who didn’t know about the falsified warrants, acted within the bounds of his role as an officer.
—John Wayne Ferguson, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026
The Supreme Court ruled that in order to show that a true threat is outside the bounds of the First Amendment, the government must demonstrate that a defendant had at least a subjective understanding of his statement's threatening nature.
—Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 1 May 2026
When Marcello Hernández speaks, his voice takes ebullient leaps and bounds.
—Suzy Exposito, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Several legal experts at the time also said Comey's photo seemed to fall in the bounds of political speech protected by the First Amendment.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
And so what was once out of bounds continued to move within the Pale, and a scourge went on afflicting politicians and groypers and, yes, comedians alike.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2026
Its water sample tested for dissolved solids, oil and grease, chlorides, sulfates, temperature and oxygen — all of which were within the bounds of Tesla’s permit.
—Arcelia Martin, San Antonio Express-News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Sister typically bounds around on their walks, but Bowen said the tiny dog kept sitting still on the road.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
As Sac State bounds into the 2026 season as a first-time member of the FBS in the Mid-American Conference, Carter said his squad will not lack in effort.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Her 3-point shooting has jumped leaps and bounds from the early part of her college career.
—Matthew Coller, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
Taking photos with the device so many people have in their pockets is leaps and bounds beyond photography equipment used during Apollo 17 – even the 1960s-era 35mm camera.
—Jennifer Levasseur, The Conversation, 11 Apr. 2026
Star has grown by leaps and bounds the past decade and a half.
—Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 30 Mar. 2026
Noah’s technical ability on snare drum is leaps and bounds ahead of other students his age, and his consistently excellent drumming anchors our drumline’s sound.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
In the special filmed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago, Fleming bounds across the stage sharing his takes on masculinity, conga lines, Trader Joes, Oreos, NPR, dog breeds and more.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bounds. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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