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
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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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of bounds
Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Tight defense by the Warriors on an in-bounds play, with sideline coverage applied by Travis, forced a five-second call with 33 seconds remaining.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
The inbound pass went out of bounds and Albany was initially ruled to have retained possession.
—Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
This is the same person who cut off dribble-drives in a second-half effort that shut down Minnesota in the Sweet 16, who snatched a pass that was nearly out of bounds for a layup.
—Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Blue Devils had the final possession, and after a Taina Mair corner three-pointer miss went out of bounds off LSU, Ashlon Jackson heaved a final three-point attempt that spiraled into the net.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
This one came after Delanie Sheehan penetrated the defense and zipped an effective pass to Ryan, who put the shot on net, but MacIver deflected it out of bounds.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Humankind is bound to become a space-faring species, expanding beyond the bounds of Mother Earth, just as it, millions of years ago, spread out of its cradle in Africa.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
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
Each time Ivy's owner, Ryan, draws nearer, the dog fakes him out and bounds away, tail wagging.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Growing by leaps and bounds Lavrenov has always been prepared.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
As my guide Nicolas Jeanroy preps his truffle gear, which looks like a collection of garden tools, his canine partner, Taïga, bounds up.
—Aislyn Greene, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
And speaking of guest stars doing all of the trio’s investigative work for them, Richard Kind then bounds into the room (as Richard Kinds are wont to do) with a huge development of his own.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
Lake Court House Foundation permanently banned five individuals, including a local photographer, from entering the property’s bounds due to allegations of trespassing and defamation.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Tight defense by the Warriors on an in-bounds play, with sideline coverage applied by Travis, forced a five-second call with 33 seconds remaining.
—Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
The inbound pass went out of bounds and Albany was initially ruled to have retained possession.
—Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
This is the same person who cut off dribble-drives in a second-half effort that shut down Minnesota in the Sweet 16, who snatched a pass that was nearly out of bounds for a layup.
—Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
The Blue Devils had the final possession, and after a Taina Mair corner three-pointer miss went out of bounds off LSU, Ashlon Jackson heaved a final three-point attempt that spiraled into the net.
—Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
This one came after Delanie Sheehan penetrated the defense and zipped an effective pass to Ryan, who put the shot on net, but MacIver deflected it out of bounds.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Humankind is bound to become a space-faring species, expanding beyond the bounds of Mother Earth, just as it, millions of years ago, spread out of its cradle in Africa.
—Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Eliminate the kicking team’s incentive to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds when kicking off from the 50-yard line.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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
Each time Ivy's owner, Ryan, draws nearer, the dog fakes him out and bounds away, tail wagging.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Growing by leaps and bounds Lavrenov has always been prepared.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
As my guide Nicolas Jeanroy preps his truffle gear, which looks like a collection of garden tools, his canine partner, Taïga, bounds up.
—Aislyn Greene, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
And speaking of guest stars doing all of the trio’s investigative work for them, Richard Kind then bounds into the room (as Richard Kinds are wont to do) with a huge development of his own.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bounds. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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