sound 1 of 5

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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sound

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noun (1)

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
If that all sounds a bit out there, consider the planetary scale of Refik Anadol's work. Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 Radio waves can carry information, from the sights and sounds on a TV to data on a laptop. Shreyas Sen, The Conversation, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
Using the high-res ADR and production sound mixer Greg Chapman’s recordings of Elordi’s performance, Robitaille gave Cooke and re-recording mixer Brad Zoern two different subsonic booster tracks to utilize. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026 The sound of screeching truck brakes comes from behind, followed by a massive commotion. Wyles Daniel, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
There’s also the very popular skate park that neighbors backyards, so there are plans for its sound walls to grow to be more than 30 feet. Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026 The information the group, led by Kirksey, has unearthed will help general manager Dan Morgan make sound decisions during the 2026 NFL Draft. Mike Kaye february 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
Adjective
  • Whether your companion’s vibe is emotional or logical, try to harmonize with it.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Bruce Meyer, the union’s deputy executive director and lead negotiator, would be the most logical successor.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • If a healthy player sits, the millionaires are fine and the fans get screwed.
    Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The playroom, a lively communal hub called The Hangout, is a dream come true, stocked with both ice-cream treats and healthy snacks (because balance), while practical touches like a dedicated laundry room show that the hotel really gets what families need when traveling.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Better Homes & Gardens Ezra Outdoor Adirondack Chair There are few chairs more classic and durable than an Adirondack chair, and this under-$200 sturdy option is one to add to your front porch, deck, or backyard.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2026
  • One of the world’s sturdiest planes, a C-130, was on standby at Rawalpindi air base to ferry the body to the man’s village.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Texas needs a coherent, regulated framework.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Every player had chosen a new note, no one had consulted, and yet the sound was ringingly coherent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home and all was well with the world.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Oliver says often that the shoot was a really well execution of the script.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The sport, therefore, has a strong relationship with the military, with troops in such environments regularly skinning up mountains before skiing back down.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Officers reportedly detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the driver, later identified as Lisboa.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike the city of Poway, which favors hitching posts over parking meters, San Diego has elected to ignore all rational analyses of parking fee options, in favor of looking at parking as a cash cow.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • In 2026, China’s luxury sector is more selective, rational, and emotionally discerning than ever.
    Yiling Pan, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In the past few election cycles, this correlation has become more robust.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The same principles can be used by engineers to develop technical systems that are robust, efficient and adaptable – just like biological solutions often are.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.

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