1
as in echoing
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in seeming
to give the impression of being
the idea at least sounds plausible
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3
as in voicing
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion)
a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions
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4
as in announcing
to make known openly or publicly
the grand opening of the region's newest and largest mall has been loudly sounded for months
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1
as in plumbing
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 plunging
to cast oneself head first into deep water
a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sounding
William Earl, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Though the choice is ultimately David’s, his wife Pam becomes a critical sounding board.
—Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 18 Aug. 2025
Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Stake out an absurd-sounding position, freak out all the institutionalists and keepers of consensus, rattle the markets and then use the madman’s leverage to induce other countries to accept an advantageous-for-America deal?
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
Noun
Through a mixture of internet sleuthing, preternatural good taste and a willingness to do whatever is necessary, Matthew quickly elevates his way to becoming a creative and emotional sounding board for Oliver — even as the singer’s entourage increasingly looks at him as a phony.
—William Earl, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Though the choice is ultimately David’s, his wife Pam becomes a critical sounding board.
—Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
And some California communities are already sounding the alarm.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
Stake out an absurd-sounding position, freak out all the institutionalists and keepers of consensus, rattle the markets and then use the madman’s leverage to induce other countries to accept an advantageous-for-America deal?
—Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sounding
draft
Noun
-
In those brownstones, the icons scribbled about notepads and surrendered those eternal drafts to thin paper zines.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Dallas Mavericks Remarkably, the Mavericks could be close to the second apron if their first-round draft pick is strong enough to bring a big price tag.—
Danny Leroux,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sounding. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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