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
Former University of Denver Pioneers star and Denver native Troy Terry (upper-body injury) also sounded doubtful. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 20 Jan. 2026 Kennedy’s speech often sounds strained and broken from a condition called spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia. Will Carless, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
Target sound by using a portable radio or speaker to play music or talk shows near the animal den. Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 In addition to the familiar faces, some famous sounds are coming to Batuu. Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Unlike more freeform hot-cold-hot-cold saunas and cold plunges, Othership is mostly a structured 75-minute experience, with an instructor leading a talk or a meditation or a sound bath for the first 20 minutes. Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 14 Jan. 2026 The cast features Marwan Waleed, Noha Foad, and Hazem Essam, while key crew include cinematographer Mohammed El Sharqawy, Farouk as editor and Mohamed El Tawil on sound design. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Adjective
  • But logical arguments won't change a person's mind unless the emotional foundation is also addressed.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
  • All in all, the Wave For 2 seems like a logical addition to a lineup that was previously focused on family camper vans for four to six people.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The brand notes that the foundation has a special cell oxygen booster that protects your skin from blue light and promotes cell regeneration for healthier-looking skin.
    Eva Thomas, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Opt for healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocado, olive oil, and fish.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The title—The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars—suggests a coherent narrative.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Pahlavi doesn’t appear to have a coherent follow-up plan, however.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Its jet-drive propulsion system, when deployed, creates thrust by accelerating well fluids via an impeller unit, which moves the probe through the wellbore.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Across the country—and especially in the South—plans are well in the works for Thanksgiving meals that will both satisfy and delight guests.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Not only will McDaniel have an accurate, strong-throwing quarterback, but there are a few weapons to be optimistic about moving forward, including running backs Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal and receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The agency already has strong underwriting standards that ensure that loans go to dependable borrowers, not the subprime candidates whom some past government lending supported.
    Fred P. Hochberg, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Scapegoating everyone of similar background as a criminal should be self-evidently wrong to any rational person.
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Even paranoiacs have enemies, maybe rendering their paranoia a rational response.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This interest is supported by a robust M&A pipeline, particularly in sectors like health care, technology, and energy—where strategic consolidations are accelerating due to regulatory shifts and capital efficiency priorities.
    Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
  • The plants in this list are quick and easy to start from seed, but if your timing is off, even the most robust, healthy seedling will languish.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sound

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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