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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
The film, based on Josh Malerman‘s 2024 novel Incidents Around the House, follows a family whose house is haunted by a sinister entity that looks and sounds identical to the mother, with both versions played by the star. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 The Marlins had McMullen and Sielaff switch roles for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates in August, and the team was impressed by how McMullen sounded on television. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
Upon arrival, the imposing razor wire, high fencing, and unmistakable sound of the gate locking behind them are stark signs that a prison sentence has begun. — Scott Peyton, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 Howard then began making snoring sounds, coughed and resumed the snoring sounds, which grew progressively quieter. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Sleep headbands track real-time brainwave patterns and respond with sound or vibration cues. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 The QuietComfort Earbuds are an exception at their much friendlier price (especially with this sale), but still deliver spectacular sound quality and active noise cancellation. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Verb
  • Journalist Christiane Amanpour, who stepped out for the occasion in a red jacquard pantsuit by Derek Lam, echoed Clooney’s focus on providing protection for those relentlessly working to hold corrupt systems accountable.
    — Christie Grimm, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2026
  • But despite the massive wealth surge, Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, has also echoed Musk in arguing that paper wealth and spendable money are two different things.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The path to closing the merger was often a rocky one and at times seemed likely to derail.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Nothing seems to be too much trouble for the staff who clearly have an affection for the property and its owners, with many having worked there for decades.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Yields across much of the G7 have surged in recent months as investors fret over stubbornly high inflation and unrelenting borrowing, with economists voicing particular worry over a potential European debt crisis.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Played by the six-foot-six David Prowse and voiced with eloquence and controlled rage by James Earl Jones, Vader is a force of inescapable menace throughout George Lucas’s Star Wars trilogy.
    — John Roy, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts.
    — MATTHEW LEE, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Dream this month announced that the team has struck a multiyear contract to host all home games at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, beginning next season.
    — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pay TV operator Movistar Plus is scaling up in Spanish originals.
    — Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Even some of Google’s own apps do this, while others, like YouTube and Messages, scale more naturally.
    — Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Kardashian’s dress, form-fitted with cap sleeves and a plunging neckline, was ornately patterned.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • By then, the plane had plunged fourteen thousand feet in just twenty-nine seconds, according to data from Flightradar24, an aviation-tracking firm.
    — Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Choudri told the board during the hearing that the agency had adopted measures to reduce consultant costs.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Bainbridge Township Patrolman Friedrich Kaufmann testified at Mathews’ May 5 preliminary hearing in Chardon Municipal Court that, after that initial argument, Mattai drove away, then returned to the park about five minutes later.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That movement has continued despite newly escalating fighting in Yemen, on the other side of the strait.
    — JAMEY KEATEN, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But Washington has said that the principle of free navigation in international waters is inviolable, a stance echoed by Gulf states that rely on the strait for much of their trade.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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