SOUNDS Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

sounds 1 of 4

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of sound

as in echoes

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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Relevance

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as in seems

to give the impression of being the idea at least sounds plausible

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as in voices

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

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as in announces

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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sounds

2 of 4

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of sound

as in plumbs

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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as in plunges

to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

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surfaces

sounds

3 of 4

noun (1)

plural of sound

as in hearings

range of hearing wandered off, out of her parents' sight and sound

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sounds

4 of 4

noun (2)

plural of sound

as in channels

a narrow body of water between two land masses Long Island Sound is between Connecticut and Long Island, New York

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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 sounds

Verb

If this problem sounds familiar to you, consider opting for a travel tote bag instead. —

Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026 Well, that sounds a lot like a description of DeLauter’s at-bats, too. —

Zack Meisel, New York Times, 3 June 2026 According to Mayer’s account, sounds passed from the top of the machine through tubes that carried the vibrations up through the arms of the two figures and into their mouths, producing distinct male and female voices. —

Ron Cowen, Scientific American, 3 June 2026 That sounds incredibly convenient. —

Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026 Both sides have named their work something that sounds clinical and responsible. —

Darshak Sanghavi, STAT, 3 June 2026 Democrats, meanwhile, say the rhetoric sounds strikingly similar to the populist arguments advanced by the very progressives DeSantis routinely attacks. —

Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 Sure, space travel sounds exciting, but space travelers are still workers – workers who could ordinarily go to restaurants for lunch or go home for dinner. —

New Atlas, 3 June 2026 Rocky still sounds deeply tied to New York. —

Jeff Ihaza, VIBE.com, 2 June 2026

Noun

The mission of a T-AGOS ship depends heavily on detecting faint underwater sounds produced by submarines operating hundreds of miles away. —

Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 See videos from Massachusetts meteor explosion Here's a look at videos capturing the sights and sounds of the meteor. —

Melina Khan, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Ecca Vandal’s route to punk was riddled with detours into sounds, cultures, and identities the genre rarely represents. —

Erica Campbell, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026 To demonstrate the issue during his public comment, Lamb held an iPad to the microphone and played a nearly minute-long compilation video he’d filmed of cars driving around the streets of Charlotte with popping and grating sounds. —

Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2026 Whether the envelope can adequately buffer wind noise, wildlife sounds, and temperature swings also remain untested. —

Bridget Borgobello may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026 There are common sounds that accompany the struggle to bring contemporary ballet ideas to life — the clack of pointe shoes against the floor, heavy breathing from collective physical exertion and counting out loud. —

Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2026 The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States. —

Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 The back patio features its own fountain and the front patio houses two Adirondack chairs, best used when sipping a cold drink and taking in the sounds of the city. —

Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sounds

Verb

Squandering his Senate seniority and experience at this time, combined with his decision to appoint a newbie to replace him, should that opportunity arise, seems misguided at best and selfish at worst.

— DP Opinion, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
The soaring quality of the orchestra and the delectable company of voices pay exhilarating homage to a singular artist, who seems right at home at the Pantages.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026