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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
But many of the same things said by other returning ex-Red Sox sounded different coming from Devers, because his return is unlike those prior, the breakup worse than most. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 The Road To Quadrillionistan A quadrillion-dollar bitcoin market sounds silly today. Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
Providing you move the Smart Brick around, the command center and refuel station can make sounds, too. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026 One neighborhood resident complained during a community-board meeting (from, apparently, under her bedcovers) about having to deal with the sound of the kids shouting at recess. Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Public policy should be guided by sound science, and its implementation should be designed to achieve effective, measurable outcomes. Keith Wortz, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 The phenomenon is most reliably seen from the sound side of the Outer Banks during summer months. Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Verb
  • Charlotte Gossett Navarro, the Puerto Rico chief director for the Hispanic Federation, echoed Miranda’s sentiments in an interview with The Times.
    Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The concern was echoed Friday by Jessica Steele, who huddled under an umbrella with her three children, hoping to hear from Pritzker.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The courtroom drama seemed to be nearing an end after Harry and other plaintiffs lost their lawsuit against the publisher of the Daily Mail last month.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • No one seems bothered that nearly everyone has an Aussie accent, despite this film ostensibly unfolding 100 miles away from Los Angeles (the film was shot in Queensland).
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In recent weeks, family members of Lincoln service members voiced worries about deteriorating mental health conditions aboard the ship, as well as sanitary conditions and food shortages.
    Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Halfway through his presidential term, around 70% of voters rate Argentina’s economic situation negatively and increasing numbers are voicing anger over wages and unemployment, El País noted.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Giants announced on Friday that Mayer, who is currently recovering from a stress reaction in his left forearm, is also dealing with a right foot bone bruise from a previous injury.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Nick Chubb is calling it a career, as the legendary Georgia running back announced his retirement on Instagram on Friday.
    Connor Riley, AJC.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As residents complain and other communities, such as Monroe County and Sumpter Township, have scaled back or decided against Flock cameras, Waterford police have no plans to take down these cameras anytime soon.
    Heath Kalb, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Related Articles The majority of the Lust works are modestly scaled with low values, likely to be sold during day sales, but around 10 are considered major works, the top lot almost certainly a large sculpture by Alberto Giacometti.
    Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • When Lake Mead last plunged to record-low water levels in 2022, its dramatically receding shoreline revealed all manner of curiosities.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The experiment will test whether a compact nuclear heat source can protect critical spacecraft systems when temperatures plunge.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Roughly 30 spectators, many of them Antioch members, observed Friday's hearing.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Planning Commission Chair Carlos Rosario added that the commission’s recommendations were merely advisory, while the City Council retains full discretion to hold public hearings and set the city’s policy direction.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • An attack on a cargo vessel transiting the strait earlier this week killed one person.
    Jenni Reid,Emma Graham, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Barring a full reopening of the strait and a resolution to the conflict, both energy producers and consumers will have to contend with continued uncertainty.
    Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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