sound 1 of 5

verb (1)

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
as in to seem
to give the impression of being the idea at least sounds plausible

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to announce
to make known openly or publicly the grand opening of the region's newest and largest mall has been loudly sounded for months

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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)

ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce sound (audio)
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
as in logical
according to the rules of logic sound reasoning alone should tell you that the result is invalid

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor the horse is getting along in years, but still perfectly sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the shed looks flimsy, but it's actually surprisingly sound

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
Some places are hot, some are cold, some are humid and some are dry, and that affects how the violin sounds. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 To start with a wedding, then wait ’til later to figure out the details of who washes the dishes and whether the toilet seat stays down, sounds backwards but is certainly better than hostage-taking and war without an achievable end. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
There was an awkward silence at the table after, with only the sound of clicking forks. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 Privacy, sound control, and functionality are top of mind in bathrooms, and unlike traditional swing doors, barn doors hang slightly off the wall and don’t sit flush with the frame. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
The musician, whose legal name is Cameron Giles, is asking a judge to issue a court order that declares him a co-author of the sound recording. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025 Four Seasons Hotels has a longevity clinic in its Singapore location, while its Costa Rica location has a Wellness Shalah through sound healing. —Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
  1. logical
  2. healthy
  3. sturdy
  4. coherent
  5. well
  6. strong
  7. rational
  8. robust
Adjective
  • In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.
    — Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, a state where thoughts race, impulsive decisions feel logical, and sleep becomes almost optional.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • There’s a difference between connection and control, and this lunar phase is here to remind you that true friendship (and healthy group dynamics) doesn’t fear space, evolution or honesty.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Due to their links to better heart and metabolic health, nuts are definitely healthy addition to your diet.
    — Simon Spichak, Health, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Forging ahead, Ledru returns to the strategy centered on a coherent and consistent brand narrative.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Underwater performance inevitably loses some detail compared to traditional in-ear options, but the audio remains steady and coherent – ideal for pacing laps or long sessions where awareness and waterproofing matter more.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2025
Definition of coherent
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
Definition of well
Adjective
  • Rockets big man Alperen Şengün was limited to 5-of-18 shooting after a strong season opener in Oklahoma City.
    — Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Smith cited a strong support network for transgender students on campus during her appearance.
    — Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • Some geomyths, recounted orally over generations, are based on eyewitness experiences, while other accounts are grounded in a keen awareness of local terrains, plus rational and imaginative ideas about the powerful forces of nature.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Theorists could prove that this will not happen if bidders are rational.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • Red Seat Ventures, which acts as Tubi Media Group’s in-house creator services company, has a robust business around true crime, with podcasts from Chris Hansen (of To Catch a Predator fame) and Nancy Grace among its clients.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Concerns have also been raised about the safety and responsibility of keeping parks open without having a robust number of employees available to conduct critical services.
    — The NPR Network, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
Definition of robust

Phrases Containing sound

Browse Nearby Words

soul-searchings
sound
sound bite
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on sound

Nglish: Translation of sound for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
pastel colored puzzle piece speech bubbles with shadows
Quiz: Find the Missing Link Figure out the word that fits both halves of the ...
See All