sound 1 of 5

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to plunge
to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

sound

5 of 5

adjective

1
2
3

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
Deciding on a region to visit in Italy is like choosing from a menu where everything sounds delicious. Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026 The story, based on a graphic novel co-written by Harari, might sound like an allegory of trans identity. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 18 May 2026
Noun
With a mission to deliver adjustable sound quality no matter the environment, the hearing protection is suitable for performance, entertainment, social interactions, sleep and recovery settings. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 This Fingerling has 70 unique sounds and reacts to your touch. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
At this year's Tony Awards, sound designer Justin Ellington has gotten a nomination to theater's biggest prize. CBS News, 12 May 2026 Inside, programming ranges from sound healing and acro yoga to intuitive readings and the acupressure technique of ear seeding. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Verb
  • Courtesy Sanford Health Doctors across specialties, states and clinic sizes echoed the sentiment.
    Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026
  • The results highlighted the extent to which the governing Labour Party’s support has fractured along lines echoing the referendum.
    Ian King, CNBC, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Its servers are generally older women who, frankly, all seem to be looking forward to the end of their shifts.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The head of Canal+, France’s largest film producer, has said the studio will no longer work with hundreds of cinema professionals, who signed a petition voicing concern over the growing influence of the studio’s rightwing billionaire owner Vincent Bolloré.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • Long Island Rail Road workers were back on the picket lines at various spots in New York City and on Long Island on Sunday, voicing their concerns and demands as the strike continues for a second day.
    John Dias, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
    Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • On the one-year anniversary of Wilson's death back in February, Southern University announced its plans to honor him with a posthumous degree and shared a statement remembering the late student.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Focused on assembling a slate built around creators with loyal digital audiences, its partnership with McBride fits squarely within a digital-first model, which uses YouTube to build audience and IP while scaling to theatrical releases and streaming.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 May 2026
  • Wall Street has reacted with caution to the latest batch of inflation readings, scaling back expectations of a near-term rate cut.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Brent crude plunged nearly 11%.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 16 May 2026
  • Hannah Berner wears a plunging neckline ensemble to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch party in New York City on May 14.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • After a January 2018 hearing, a judge ruled against Amanda's request for a restraining order, in part because Moscatiello's legal team revealed emails and text messages about Amanda's poor attendance at her job, which led to her dismissal.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • On Tuesday, May 12, Los Angeles City held a public hearing held by the city’s Associate Zoning Administrator to grant a conditional use permit to sell alcohol at the Cinerama Dome and the accompanying theater complex located in Hollywood.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The strait’s closure has stranded tankers and caused energy prices to spike, threatening global economic growth.
    Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • The strait’s closure because of the war has kept oil tankers pent up in the Persian Gulf instead of delivering crude to customers worldwide, which has driven up prices.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sound

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster