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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
One of those clubs sounding him out wanted him in the summer — the rest, including United, wanted a deal to happen now.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 5 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
Despite the aggressive-sounding title, there's no combat in Lunar Strike.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
One of those clubs sounding him out wanted him in the summer — the rest, including United, wanted a deal to happen now.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sounding
draft
Noun
-
The following spring, the Bills moved up in the draft to select a quarterback who became a cornerstone, and optimism ran high going into 2018.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
An earlier draft of a peace plan, which emerged in November and was criticized as being heavily favorable to Moscow, sought to cap Ukraine’s armed forces at 600,000 personnel.—
Melissa Bell,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sounding. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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