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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
Letting go of genre might sound confusing when the album’s named Popstar, but to Tinashe, a pop star is so much more than a genre label. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026 Iraq sounds alarm on terror threat from Syria one day after US troops leave. — FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
The team is also expected to include character artists, animators, editors, composers, sound designers, colorists and other creative collaborators. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026 Rarely exhibited and here remade with another Trans Am as MBD_Trans Am (2026), the piece is paired with an ominous booming sound that is both alluring and repellent. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 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
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
Verb
  • Mehmet tries to proffer practical solutions but each one only seems to deepen the rift.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Concerns about military readiness, workforce shortages, rising health care costs, affordability, and America’s ability to compete in an increasingly challenging world seem to play on a loop without any sign of progress.
    — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Businesses have previously voiced concern about the concentration of power in the two main payment providers.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As previously announced, Seth MacFarlane will once again voice the titular teddy bear come to life, with Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth reprising their film roles as John, Sam and Tami-Lynn, respectively.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The opening comes more than three years after Toyota announced plans to invest nearly $50 million in the facility at its Michigan research and development operations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • This week, City Hall and the DCLA are announcing an increase in funding for direct-support grants to artists, administered by each borough’s local arts council.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sustainable Fashion Forum founder Brittany Sierra will also address whether consumer demand can help scale next-generation materials.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The fintech business is focused on scaling with the ambition of reaching unicorn status.
    — Connie Etemadi, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Aries Rising This month’s astrology is plunging you into a bit of a grief process.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The Starship spacecraft is now plunging back into the thick inner part of Earth’s atmosphere while still traveling thousands of miles per hour.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
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
Noun
  • About 7% of global energy supplies and around 12% to 15% of all global shipping transit the strait.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Iran has severely disrupted the strait during the conflict, restricting oil and gas exports out of the Persian Gulf.
    — Garrett Downs,Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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