pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd 
prō-
1
a
: having intellectual depth and insight
b
: difficult to fathom or understand
2
a
: extending far below the surface
b
: coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated
a profound sigh
3
a
: characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
b
: all encompassing : complete
profound sleep
profound deafness
pro·found
prə-ˈfau̇nd
prō-
archaic
: something that is very deep
specifically
: the depths of the sea
Synonyms
Examples of profound in a Sentence
Adjective
Here, for the first time, a journalist gains access to the archive of one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies in history. Its contents, as much literature as science, offer profound insight into the human condition—and into the brilliant, complex mind of the study's longtime director, George Vaillant.
—
Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009
This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life …
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments.
—Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002
Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness.
—Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
His knowledge of history is profound.
Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage.
the profound mysteries of outer space
a profound sense of loss
His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.
Joshua Wolf Shenk, Atlantic, June 2009
This isn't escapism, or denial of grief; it is acceptance of the facts of life, the map of profound relationship to the grief that is part of life …
—Tom Piazza, Why New Orleans Matters, 2005
The status of women, though probably the most profound single difference between the two civilizations, attracted far less attention than such matters as guns, factories and parliaments.
—Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002
Despite all the respect, it was hard not to feel a twinge of schadenfreude at O'Hara's fall from esteem, which had caused him profound bitterness.
—Kingsley Amis, Memoirs, 1991
His knowledge of history is profound.
Her books offer profound insights into the true nature of courage.
the profound mysteries of outer space
a profound sense of loss
His paintings have had a profound effect on her own work.
Recent Examples on the Web
Robert M. Marovich, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
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Refugee camps are often sites of profound human suffering.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
While disasters that cause major loss of life and destruction are always horrific, this blast has even more profound ramifications.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Yet the Grammys’ handling of the city’s ongoing trauma felt more performative than profound: The fires became a prop and backdrop to the night’s honors, losing the human depth and unimaginable scale of the tragedy in the process.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for profound 
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Adjective
Another interviewee with a passion for the arts was actor Bill Koza, whose experiences as a gay man in a society hostile to homosexuality led to a profound loneliness but also to a desire to express his emotions through the theater.
—Robert M. Marovich, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
Read more Trump Should Keep His Eyes on the (Nobel) Prize in the Mideast | Opinion
How Donald Trump Should Deal With Saudi Arabia | Opinion
Gaza Ceasefire Is Just the Beginning of the Path to Peace | Opinion
Refugee camps are often sites of profound human suffering.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
While disasters that cause major loss of life and destruction are always horrific, this blast has even more profound ramifications.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
Yet the Grammys’ handling of the city’s ongoing trauma felt more performative than profound: The fires became a prop and backdrop to the night’s honors, losing the human depth and unimaginable scale of the tragedy in the process.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for profound
Articles Related to profound
Dictionary Entries Near profound
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/profound. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
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