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
Thanks in part to Washington’s inattention on Biden’s watch, Kim embarked on a profound strategic reorientation toward Russia.
—
John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
This was always going to be a summer of profound change for the club on and off the pitch, with the arrival of Venkatesham as CEO.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 June 2025
The economic and cultural implications are profound.
—Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation.
—Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
John Delury, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
This was always going to be a summer of profound change for the club on and off the pitch, with the arrival of Venkatesham as CEO.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 2 June 2025
The economic and cultural implications are profound.
—Wolfgang Messner, The Conversation, 2 June 2025
These individuals typically struggle to delegate or seek support, which can result in a profound sense of isolation.
—Lisa Bodell, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
Adjective
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Thus began an extended conversation about esoteric sounds that has continued to this day.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
6 June 2025
-
These esoteric Calabi-Yau structures, formerly on the frontier of theoretical physics, could be just the beginning.—
Ramin Skibba,
Scientific American,
13 May 2025
Adjective
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The faction's power grew with the shocking debut of Jacob Fatu, another member of the Anoa'i family known for his intense and destructive style in other promotions.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Recognizing that gulf is a sad thing for her, and Huston holds Anderson’s intense close-ups with an expression both loving and rueful at once. 40.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Johnson paired the look with sheer black tights, giving the ensemble a unified tonal element overall.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
3 June 2025
-
The sheer emotional momentum of being part of something—a sea of people unified by purpose—dissipates into the static of daily life.—
Adam Met,
Time,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
-
Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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Russia used a Tu-160 in intensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Friday.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
Ware picked up all the cases while on intensive supervised release after serving three years and three months for aiding and abetting first-degree robbery out of Hennepin County.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The draft Security Council resolution had also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and others.—
Michelle Nichols,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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Todd and Julie Chrisley returned home from prison on Wednesday, May 28, after President Donald Trump issued them full and unconditional pardons.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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Caron was used to seeing my fiery side, the fierce competitor, the demanding coach.—
Jim Calhoun with Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
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The feedback was fierce—storyboards dismantled, ideas shredded—but the environment was psychologically safe.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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But that meeting’s collapse—and, more broadly, the utter failure of sanctions to prevent North Korea from developing its nuclear potential—may prompt him to support Seoul’s push.—
John Delury,
Foreign Affairs,
3 June 2025
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The Civil War, which is jeopardizing his presidency, has turned him into an utter killjoy.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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