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
Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 18 June 2026
Operating ‘beyond the bounds of FDA approval’ Although there is a lack of FDA approval and little evidence of its efficacy, stem cell treatments for autism are being steadily provided across the country.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 18 June 2026
But these chips steadily improved, year after year, often by huge leaps and bounds.
—ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
This seems to stretch any reasonable bounds of credibility.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Castle drew what the NBA’s Last-Two Minute report said should have been a foul on Hart, but the officials called out of bounds off Castle instead in the moment.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Some women who filed lawsuits against Ortega reported they had been confused about whether demeaning or uncomfortable actions the doctor engaged in during exams was within the bounds of necessary medical behavior.
—Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The Jurassic Park screenwriter notes that aliens, both real and fictional, might exist entirely outside of the bounds of human comprehension.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Even before its debut, some have doubted whether the offering is pushing the bounds of reality.
—Allie Canal, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Something as simple as adding a tablespoon of fresh ground flax or chia seeds to a smoothie can do leaps and bounds improvement in the microbiome itself.
—Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 24 May 2026
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
Noun
Do not rub or spread the stain outside of its original bounds.
—Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 18 June 2026
Operating ‘beyond the bounds of FDA approval’ Although there is a lack of FDA approval and little evidence of its efficacy, stem cell treatments for autism are being steadily provided across the country.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 18 June 2026
But these chips steadily improved, year after year, often by huge leaps and bounds.
—ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
This seems to stretch any reasonable bounds of credibility.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Castle drew what the NBA’s Last-Two Minute report said should have been a foul on Hart, but the officials called out of bounds off Castle instead in the moment.
—Jared Weiss, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Some women who filed lawsuits against Ortega reported they had been confused about whether demeaning or uncomfortable actions the doctor engaged in during exams was within the bounds of necessary medical behavior.
—Emily Hoerner, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
The Jurassic Park screenwriter notes that aliens, both real and fictional, might exist entirely outside of the bounds of human comprehension.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Even before its debut, some have doubted whether the offering is pushing the bounds of reality.
—Allie Canal, NBC news, 11 June 2026
Verb
Oprah Winfrey bounds into view in a white dress.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 June 2026
Something as simple as adding a tablespoon of fresh ground flax or chia seeds to a smoothie can do leaps and bounds improvement in the microbiome itself.
—Suzanne Le Mignot, CBS News, 24 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bounds
Noun
-
The commissioners plan to develop a five-year plan to phase in state funding, along with enforceable standards like caseload limits and access to defense investigators.—
Anat Rubin,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
Whether this Supreme Court, which in the redistricting world has sided against fair elections, will see its way to uphold these limits is far from certain.—
Richard J. Davis,
New York Daily News,
21 June 2026
Noun
-
Later, as the Moon faces disciplined Saturn, we are asked to set clearer boundaries and timing.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2026
-
Stephanie Smittle is not concerned with musical boundaries.—
Sean Clancy,
Arkansas Online,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
But these chips steadily improved, year after year, often by huge leaps and bounds.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
-
Like it or not, some of the biggest leaps in exploration have historically depended on the wealthy patrons willing to fund them.—
Dea Jusufi,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Yet the very strength that defines them can become their greatest limitation when left unchecked.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
-
Faux snakeskin takes the place of the woven Kevlar panel that usually defines the model, while the long mudguard beneath is rendered in black nubuck.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Verb
-
The country borders Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
-
Chiapas borders Oaxaca to the west, Veracruz to the northwest, Tabasco to the north and Guatemala to the east.—
Jen Guadarrama,
IndyStar,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Pinkie’s German immigrant father Emil Clemens Horst built an empire around hops cultivation, including owning vast fields around Campus Commons and other Sacramento areas.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
-
With nothing holding her down but a dead-end job and an aging dad, a small-town Texan girl is swiftly bedazzled by a smooth criminal drifter, and hops into his car to pursue a life less ordinary.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
Then the price jumps to $25 a month or $20 a month for an annual subscription.—
Christine Haughney Dare-Bryan,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
-
Known for twisty, psychological thrillers with dark themes, tragedies, time jumps and lightning-fast pacing, Coben's books and shows have captivated audiences for years.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
But the industry groups are still arguing that film credits should be entirely exempt from the new limitations, as they have already been accounted for and approved by the Legislature through 2030.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
19 June 2026
-
In recent years, the courts have been ripping apart the NCAA rule book, prohibiting the organization from imposing limitations on transferring, and allowing players to return to college play after having gone pro.—
Jemele Hill,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bounds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bounds. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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