sound 1 of 5

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as in to echo
to continue or be repeated in a series of reflected sound waves the stranded hiker's cries for help sounded throughout the canyon

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sound

2 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to scale
to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line the pilot sounded the river to make sure we weren't in any danger of running aground

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2
as in to plunge
to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

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sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

as in hearing
range of hearing wandered off, out of her parents' sight and sound

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sound

4 of 5

noun (2)

as in strait
a narrow body of water between two land masses Long Island Sound is between Connecticut and Long Island, New York

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sound

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is convincing a more appropriate choice than sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

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 sound
Verb
Plumber is sounding appealing to youth job searchers Blue-collar jobs are in. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025 Stay safe with a password manager If keeping up with dozens of unique passwords sounds overwhelming, a password manager can help. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
From the soulful sounds on Beale Street to the honky-tonks of Nashville and the grandiose Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has plenty to offer those looking for a weekend getaway. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Nov. 2025 Wanting to mimic the sounds, Takk began howling. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
The sound design [by Paul Davies] is amazing. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025 The crowd favorite auction item was an Alpaca Harmony Yoga event, an experience that included a morning of yoga, sound bath, mimosas and brunch with the Robin’s Nest alpacas, Williams said. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Adjective
  • Not even a meta ending that pushes that idea to its logical breaking point can sour you on it.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
  • To be fair, public entities have been stretching public records trade secret exceptions to logical extremes long before college athletes started getting paid—and these carve-outs are often intended to be permissive.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The acquisition of Anthony Davis has done 0 because the 32-year-old man can’t stay healthy.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • While maintaining a healthy weight plays a role in mitigating cardiovascular and diabetes risk, the measurement alone overlooks the importance of muscle as a predictor of healthy aging and longevity.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Not even a coherent defense of whatever decisions prompted the protests.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Apparently each set of doubles is supposed to add up to a coherent theme.
    Judy Berman, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Its jet-drive propulsion system, when deployed, creates thrust by accelerating well fluids via an impeller unit, which moves the probe through the wellbore.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Across the country—and especially in the South—plans are well in the works for Thanksgiving meals that will both satisfy and delight guests.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But despite strong technical progress, widespread adoption remains challenging due to cost, infrastructure demands, and limited technological maturity.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There seemed to be a rational acceptance of the outcome.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Therefore, the present work supports the belief that rational materials design at both the macro and atomic levels can solve long-standing challenges, according to a press release.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Still, more robust research was needed to declare that the portfolio diet leads to heart-health benefits for everyone, including healthy individuals.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

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