sound 1 of 5

verb (1)

Definition of soundnext
1
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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2
as in to seem
to give the impression of being the idea at least sounds plausible

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3
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

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4
as in to announce
to make known openly or publicly the grand opening of the region's newest and largest mall has been loudly sounded for months

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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)

ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce sound (audio)
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

5 of 5

adjective

1
as in logical
according to the rules of logic sound reasoning alone should tell you that the result is invalid

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor the horse is getting along in years, but still perfectly sound

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3
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the shed looks flimsy, but it's actually surprisingly sound

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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
Of course, there’s the usual spa and sport options, but there’s also opportunities to do mandala art classes, weaving, and sound healing sessions. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026 With any transformation, a sound strategy is just the beginning. — Tracy Nolan, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
  1. echo
  2. seem
  3. voice
  4. announce
  5. scale
  6. plunge
  7. hearing
  8. strait
Verb
  • On Monday, the gallery echoed with the sounds of an acoustic guitar and flute during a fundraiser for Rose Lounsbury, a former schoolteacher who, for the second time, is running as a Democrat for state representative.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • These beliefs were not inevitable; they were constructed through repetition, strategic messaging, and, most important, media coverage that echoed the administration’s line rather than interrogating it.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of echo
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
Definition of seem
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
Definition of voice
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
Definition of announce
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
Definition of scale
Verb
  • An unusual treat is the co-ed soaking pool, overlooking Lake Mishkin, which allows families to plunge and relax together before or after their treatments, which run the gamut from massage to sound bath to tea ceremonies.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • GoPro went public at $24 per share five years before that, and has plunged over 94%, as of Monday.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of plunge
Noun
  • Negotiations ran right up until the deal was unanimously approved during Tuesday’s marathon City Commission meeting and budget hearing, with Underline leaders agreeing to the city’s various asks.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Both suspects will be remanded in custody and next appear in court for a hearing on October 23.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of hearing
Noun
  • The strait, which carries about a fifth of global crude and LNG, has been effectively shut since the war began in late February.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The report also stated that Saudi Arabia has ruled out negotiations until the strait has been wrested from Houthi control.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of strait

Phrases Containing sound

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soul-searchings
sound
sound bite
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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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