sound 1 of 5

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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sound

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noun (1)

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
Every choice made for their evolving Newton is discussed with the Apple team, which approves designs for how apps and sounds change season to season. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 8 June 2026 Users can now customize how Siri sounds through new pacing and expressiveness controls, while also interacting with the assistant through voice or text. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026
Noun
Then, the monotony of the cave’s silence was broken by the sound of splashing as two divers with headlamps bubbled up from beneath the water. Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 4 June 2026 What Questlove brings to his movies isn’t just his outlook as a musician but as a scholar of pet sounds. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 June 2026
Adjective
The festivities then move to the Hercules Library for the Walking Ghosts of Black History Juneteenth exhibit, refreshments and a sound bath. Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 2 June 2026 There are sound engineering reasons to use the same approach SpaceX uses with the Falcon 9. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Verb
  • During closing arguments before the jury Tuesday, Grossman’s attorney, Esther Holm, echoed that claim.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Charlotte Mather-Taylor, the director of the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, echoed the sentiment on the importance of mental activity.
    Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The reason is that investors don’t seem to like the idea of fractional share ownership, so reducing the share price makes the stock feel more accessible.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • New York seems to be heeding that advice early on.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Maxim voiced frustration that repairs weren’t happening quickly enough and resentment at the intrusion on his privacy as workers came in and out.
    Zahra Ullah, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • Many of those contacting the commission ahead of Thursday's meeting voiced concerns about its massive scale, obstruction of the city's skyline and safety in the heavily trafficked area.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • The pair announced their engagement in August 2025, and their wedding date was revealed in April.
    Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • The company behind several iconic series announced its next remake in the Resident Evil franchise.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • Among the city efforts Dunning said would be scaled back were facility maintenance, mowing and right-of-way upkeep in lower-priority areas, curb and sidewalk repairs and services in public-facing departments.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
  • Price scaled from 2 to 40 lawyers by implementing comprehensive organizational systems, A-players, and data that compounds.
    K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Khloe kept things more Monte Carlo-summer-esque, in a plunging halter top, black capri pants, and thong sandals.
    Vogue, Vogue, 6 June 2026
  • The 60 year old leaned into her supermodel status while wearing a plunging black swimsuit.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • Written comments for the proposal are due by July 6, with public hearings scheduled on July 7, according to the notice.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 June 2026
  • Ethan’s hearing casts a long shadow over everything Tom does in season one.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Iranian state media on Monday said Iran's negotiators would halt negotiations and shut the strait.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 4 June 2026
  • But for other countries in the region, alternatives to the strait are less politically and commercially viable.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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