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Definition of soundnext
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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

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

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sound

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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
Thus, a product that may replicate the results of injectable dermal filler without needles or a high price tag sounds pretty darn good. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026 Freddy’s backpack Strappy (Patton Oswalt) still talks, but the kids suddenly sound a little more adult and self-conscious, as if freed somehow (even though they’re being hunted by Buddy). Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
Woman-led, intergenerational, and broad in sound, the acts encapsulate Rodrigo’s progressive stance in pop. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026 The smell of rubber and oil remains in the air, and the sound of workers changing tires combines with music from a DJ inside the shop’s waiting room. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Hosted earlier this month, the sound bath was the first of two events in the museum’s new Mindfulness Mornings at the Museum series, where guests can experience a meditative practice in the iconic gallery before opening hours. Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Regardless of circumstances, leaders are expected to read the room, regulate their emotions, recall key details, detect shifts in leverage, remain patient, and make sound judgments under pressure. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Verb
  • The cosmetic choices — from tile and lighting to custom doors and hardware — echo the period without slipping into nostalgia.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Joe’s Sangeet outfit was tailored and hand-stitched by Lotus Bloom, and featured hot pink, black, and white beadwork that echoed the palette on Ramya’s lehenga.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In recent weeks, Warsh’s and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s approaches to recent market moves increasingly seem to be at odds with each other.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Its reinvention has been a remarkable one, and for now, investors seem to be embracing the new direction.
    Arjun Kharpal,Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023 and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for voicing Optimus Prime in 2011.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The stature of the performances from Claymore, July and Fuller bring weight to these moments over a character, generally Sarah, voicing the thesis to us again.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced a plan to sever the Islamic Republic's financial connections around the world.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The news comes after the movie theater announced its closure, leaving New Yorkers mourning at the loss.
    Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The scientists now plan to collaborate with cement industry stakeholders to determine if the technology can be scaled for mass production.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • As set out in a recent regulatory filing, DraftKings has agreed to pay up to $30 million in a marketing agreement with media platform HardScope, Kalish’s newest endeavor to help scale creator brands.
    Camila Grigera Naón, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The sleeveless dress, designed by Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon as part of the fashion house's pre-fall 2026 collection, featured a plunging halter neckline, fitted ruched bodice and full midi-length skirt.
    Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Urban— who finalized his divorce from Kidman in January— coordinated with his former wife in a plunging black pinstripe dress shirt, a matching blazer jacket, and matching trousers.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • An immigration judge issued a final order of removal on July 22 after Yiannopoulos failed to show up for his immigration hearing, a DHS spokesperson wrote in an email.
    Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • While the senators linked Kennedy’s anti-vaccine work to that deadly measles outbreak, Kennedy denied any connection during the confirmation hearings.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Attacks on commercial vessels and the confrontation over access to the strait have caused shipping traffic to collapse.
    Joshua Hong, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Muscat and Tehran would continue talks to reach an agreement on a permanent corridor and administration system for the strait, the ministry said.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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