1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
colored outside the bounds of the drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to border
to serve as a border for
being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal
I am bound and determined to write a novel before I turn 30
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 bound
Betsy Pudliner, The Conversation, 19 May 2025
In the late twenty-tens, there was an energetic effort to police the bounds of acceptable speech, and a growing consensus that non-Black people should never utter the N-word.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Greatest Hits reappears on one of the four lists on which it’s featured, bounding back onto the Official Albums Sales chart at No. 86.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 May 2025
To stand in the middle and view them in the round is to see how ruin and repair, falling and rising, are inexorably bound.
—Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Noun
Advances in technology, economic shifts and changing cultural norms can increase access to unique destinations that start as out of bounds to a majority of tourists.
—Betsy Pudliner, The Conversation, 19 May 2025
In the late twenty-tens, there was an energetic effort to police the bounds of acceptable speech, and a growing consensus that non-Black people should never utter the N-word.
—Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Verb
Kyren Paris reached on an error by Matt Chapman at third, with Chapman cutting in front of Adames with the ball bounding into the outfield to bring Neto home with the second run.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
Greatest Hits reappears on one of the four lists on which it’s featured, bounding back onto the Official Albums Sales chart at No. 86.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
However, Guard units become bound to the Posse Comitatus Act when they are called into federal service.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 6 May 2025
To stand in the middle and view them in the round is to see how ruin and repair, falling and rising, are inexorably bound.
—Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bound
Adjective
-
Administration officials and leaders of the emerging military tech sector are determined to get rid of excess regulations that slow the development and production of new weapons systems.—
William Hartung,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
However, Prince William is also determined to make life better for its residents through sustainability objectives, mental health initiatives, charitable partnerships and more.—
Stephanie Petit,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Armstrong is less resolute, however, when asked how much President Trump’s election to a second term affected his sense of urgency.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
30 May 2025
-
Xi’s government has portrayed itself as a resolute defender of the Chinese nation and mocked its opponent.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
Adjective
-
On hand are four paranormal investigators intent to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family from a manor where something otherworldly has taken place.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
Congress hasn’t so much been defeated as surrendered, one majority at a time — and Trump is intent on taking all the spoils won by his predecessors’ 50-year siege.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bound. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share