1
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
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2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a profound silence fell over the audience after the last note had sounded
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3
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
a profound dislike of frauds and phonies
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of profound
From the 1950s to the early 1980s, the Oswego area underwent a profound change, event organizers said, with a farming area rapidly changing into a suburb.
—
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The early solar system was wracked with profound instabilities, but more recently such effects have been far more subtle.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2025
Despite this profound level of support, Smith’s bill didn’t even get a vote in his own committee.
—Vincent Schiraldi, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
During summer break, continuing that practice can have a profound impact on reading efficiency for students, preventing some of the reading loss that happens during summer break.
—Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The early solar system was wracked with profound instabilities, but more recently such effects have been far more subtle.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2025
Despite this profound level of support, Smith’s bill didn’t even get a vote in his own committee.
—Vincent Schiraldi, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2025
During summer break, continuing that practice can have a profound impact on reading efficiency for students, preventing some of the reading loss that happens during summer break.
—Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
Adjective
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Of course, Yamagata is a long way to go just to peep some jellyfish, so combine a visit with the misty temples of nearby Dewa Sanzan, three mountains sacred to the ascetics of the esoteric Shugendo religion.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
27 May 2025
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They: • Invest not just in systems, but in states • Optimize not just for growth, but for resonance • Scale not from stress, but from coherence This isn’t esoteric.—
Carrie Anne Yu,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
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There were times when the twin drama got too intense.—
Maris Kreizman,
Rolling Stone,
24 June 2025
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Moster has long been a target of intense scorn in the Orthodox world.—
Asaf Elia-Shalev,
Sun Sentinel,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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The pressure is on him and his team to replicate their earlier success, a tall order considering what a factor the sheer surprise of the phenomenon, impossible to replicate now, played back in 2021.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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What people have not always had is either the awareness or deep enough pockets, which means FIFA should reduce prices and fill these stadiums.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Sometimes people forget that L.A. and Southern California is a place with real people and a super deep and rich history of Black art.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Meta is also making major investments in geothermal technology as a less fossil fuel–intensive way to generate power.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Apex scavengers are disproportionately affected by activities like intensive livestock production, land use changes and the wildlife trade.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Trump mulled joining the Israeli strikes over the past four days and called for Iran’s unconditional surrender.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2025
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Because the show really is about friendship, unconditional friendship between these four and then five girls.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The Supreme Court cases that set off the fiercest conflicts among the justices aren’t always the hot-button ones.—
Dan McLaughlin,
National Review,
25 June 2025
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Roca—with his pants torn and blood showing through—returns to fight and ultimately brings the bull down with one fierce thrust, leaving the sword in its back.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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There won’t be adequate words to describe how much changed in such a short period of time, thanks to Trump’s utter debasement of the office, and the GOP’s decision to follow him down one of the ugliest paths imaginable, all the while abandoning principles, morals, and basic common decency.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
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Where to watch:Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango at Home. 1. 'Jaws' (1975) The seafaring masterpiece sinks every other shark movie in its utter perfection.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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