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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
The estrangement is so profound that Harry learned of his father’s March 27 hospitalization — related to complications from treatment — through the media.
—
Simon Perry, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Crumb desecrated sleek American surfaces in a way that felt disturbing and profound, especially to the many young people also dropping acid.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
This concentration of media power in the hands of a few extraordinarily wealthy individuals raises profound questions about American democracy.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
While scientists still debate the role of longer-term climate change, the asteroid’s profound impact on ecosystems is well-supported.
—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Simon Perry, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Crumb desecrated sleek American surfaces in a way that felt disturbing and profound, especially to the many young people also dropping acid.
—Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 14 Apr. 2025
This concentration of media power in the hands of a few extraordinarily wealthy individuals raises profound questions about American democracy.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
While scientists still debate the role of longer-term climate change, the asteroid’s profound impact on ecosystems is well-supported.
—Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
Adjective
-
Advocating for biological men in women’s locker rooms, while rooted in inclusivity, often feels esoteric to the typical voter.—
Nafees Alam,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Fertility data used to be a fairly esoteric concern.—
Noel King,
Vox,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.—
Pamela Avila,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Plus, that sheer wash of pigment makes for a great first step in your makeup routine.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2025
-
And another lot of shoppers swear by the iconic Clinique Black Honey lipstick, which provides a sheer wash of natural pigment that can be built to a rich berry hue.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The Orioles scored the first run of the game in the second inning when Ramón Laureano ripped an RBI double to deep center.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Lucas Walsh, a youth political behavior expert, said that cost-of-living pressures and a deep distrust in both major parties are fueling Gen Z's volatility.—
Mark Weinstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Since early March, Israel has cut Gaza off from the supply of humanitarian aid including food, with aid agencies warning that the situation for the strip’s 2 million civilians has deteriorated dangerously, only worsened by intensive Israeli military operations.—
Irene Nasser,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Now, more than six months after first complaining of stomach pain, Butlin started her first three-month course of intensive chemotherapy on April 8.—
Vanessa Etienne,
People.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Speaking on his arrival in London with the foreign and defence ministers, Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak said the talks would focus on ways to achieve a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step to peace.—
Elizabeth Piper,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
At the same time, Becky Conner (Goranson) learned the true meaning of unconditional love after becoming a mom.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Melania Trump has courted controversy, garnered attention for her fashion Trump's fashion choices are the subject of fierce controversy and constant attention.—
Jay Stahl,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Seven new projects debut on the 15-spot roster, making competition surprisingly fierce.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Talk about the low of the low, what utter scumbags.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
But sometimes, such as in crosswalks during peak commuting times, that order turns to utter chaos.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share