1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a profound silence fell over the audience after the last note had sounded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
a profound observation about good and evil that few listeners fully grasped
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
a profound dislike of frauds and phonies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deep
extending far downward
with eyes wide with disbelief, the explorers made their way through a canyon more profound than any they had ever imagined
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 profound
Many viewers were left in awe of the simple yet profound act of kindness.
—
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
What began as a silent observation evolved into a profound journey of artistic and personal growth.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
Awarded at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, the Kennedy Center Honors recognize the lifetime achievements of artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life in America.
—Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
But a more profound mental shift happens in kids’ brains, Damour said.
—Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025
What began as a silent observation evolved into a profound journey of artistic and personal growth.
—Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2025
Awarded at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, the Kennedy Center Honors recognize the lifetime achievements of artists who have made profound contributions to the cultural life in America.
—Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 13 Aug. 2025
But a more profound mental shift happens in kids’ brains, Damour said.
—Rheana Murray, The Atlantic, 11 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
Adjective
-
The community’s response is intense: panicked and bereaved mothers and fathers turn on Justine, indirectly a victim herself; misguided outrage blinds them to the real menace operating unimpeded in their midst.—
Andy Crump,
Time,
9 Aug. 2025
-
For Democrats, the internal pressure is even more intense.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The concern is understandable since the result could well become something too esoteric or scholarly for its own good.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Thus, every Sunday there would be a large gathering of family on the farm to enjoy an esoteric dark roux gumbo.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
Adjective
-
The look was finished with a silk tulle veil, crystal beaded Manolo Blahnik satin sandals and a pair of sheer elbow gloves.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Founder Samantha Brett emphasizes layering SPF over makeup, with formulas like their Beauty Screen Mineral Tints providing SPF50 protection in a sheer, wearable finish.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
But this may be FIU’s deepest position with players such as Antonio Patterson, Shamir Sterlin, Sadonnie Gay and Jessiah McGrew pushing for playing time.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The Yale model’s 1.8% price impact aligns with retail plans: selective increases in metal-heavy and electronics-adjacent categories, balanced by deeper promotions and expanded private-label offerings to keep key price points stable.—
Brian Delp,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Residents learn to care for critically ill patients, a process that demands intensive hours, extensive study outside of work to prepare for cases, and the emotional resilience to confront life-and-death situations daily.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
In Mississippi, intensive early-literacy tutoring, among other reforms, helped raise fourth-grade reading scores to above the national average.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In the pic, eras overlap seamlessly, capturing the primal fears, rituals, and unconditional bonds that remain unchanged through time.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
-
One of the most important parts of the film is the story of Ella Little-Collins unconditional love towards Malcolm X, Gayotto-Hohl said.—
Damenica Ellis,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Nonetheless, the show’s premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy’s fiercest creatures.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Yet even before this system was fully in place, opposition to it emerged, beginning in the early 1990s with the fierce debate over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).—
Michael B. G. Froman,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Amid all the looming consciousness that our time on earth is precious, there are also specials unerringly devoted to utter stupidity, and even the comedians fixated on mortality are delivering life-affirming material, too.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
6 Aug. 2025
-
At my worst, there was utter loneliness and anhedonia.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share