sound 1 of 5

verb (1)

Definition of soundnext
1
as in to echo
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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2
as in to seem
to give the impression of being the idea at least sounds plausible

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3
as in to voice
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to announce
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sound

2 of 5

verb (2)

1
as in to scale
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 to plunge
to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

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sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

ˈsau̇nd How to pronounce sound (audio)
as in hearing
range of hearing wandered off, out of her parents' sight and sound

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sound

4 of 5

noun (2)

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

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sound

5 of 5

adjective

1
as in logical
according to the rules of logic sound reasoning alone should tell you that the result is invalid

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor the horse is getting along in years, but still perfectly sound

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the shed looks flimsy, but it's actually surprisingly sound

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sound different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sound are cogent, convincing, telling, and valid. While all these words mean "having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance," sound implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds.

a sound proposal for reviving the economy

When might cogent be a better fit than sound?

While in some cases nearly identical to sound, cogent may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation.

the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury

When is convincing a more appropriate choice than sound?

The meanings of convincing and sound largely overlap; however, convincing suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept.

a convincing argument for welfare reform

When could telling be used to replace sound?

While the synonyms telling and sound are close in meaning, telling stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter.

a telling example of bureaucratic waste

When can valid be used instead of sound?

In some situations, the words valid and sound are roughly equivalent. However, valid implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority.

a valid reason for being absent
a valid marriage

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 sound
Verb
But on his way to the airport, Gino still sounded conflicted. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 14 July 2025 This iconic mic sounds great, looks great, and features quality physical controls like a volume knob to help you fine-tune your sound. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
Noun
In 2024, Gilbert revealed she had been diagnosed with misophonia, a neurological condition where certain sounds or visual cues trigger intense emotional and physical reactions, such as anger or anxiety. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 12 July 2025 Here’s the thing, though: these are still incredible headphones with great noise canceling, comfort, features, and sound. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025
Adjective
Black women, who often serve as both the breadwinners and caretakers in their families, need culturally competent, politically informed and financially sound guidance. —Jehan Crump‑gibson, Essence, 10 July 2025 As part of the project, a visual and sound display conceived by Mexican writer and journalist Juan Villoro will be hosted on the first floor of the building. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound
  1. logical
  2. healthy
  3. sturdy
  4. coherent
  5. well
  6. strong
  7. rational
  8. robust
Adjective
  • Goldman: The Winnipeg Jets and Wild are logical picks here, although neither team really improved this summer.
    — The Athletic NHL Staff, New York Times, 12 July 2025
  • There is no logical reason why you should not be entitled to retroactive benefit payments.
    — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Definition of logical
Adjective
  • Experts have said for some time that not all fats are bad—in fact, some are healthy and key to a balanced diet that can contribute to better weight management.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • That gunk could indicate that the river ecosystem isn’t healthy, Eichert told the Statesman, which could be due to dams upriver changing the historical flooding in the region.
    — Alex Music July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • Photograph: Kat Merck AmazonBasics Small Packing Cubes for Travel, 4-Piece-Set $20 $14 (30% off) Amazon Not quite as compressive as our top pick, these Amazon Basics cubes offer sturdy mesh windows and durable fabric—a budget-friendly intro to packing cubes.
    — Parker Hall, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Additionally, the Saudi Gazette reported that the minister emphasized Riyadh is following a consistent and coherent approach that balances vision and transition implementation.
    — Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • With more than 1 billion people now living with obesity, effective therapies available but out of reach for many, and no coherent or ethical way to prioritize care and limited resources, an objective clinical diagnosis of obesity was more urgent than ever.
    — Francesco Rubino, Time, 9 July 2025
Definition of coherent
Adjective
  • Crockpots are still made well, as are, in my experience anyway, the more modernized version: Instant Pots.
    — Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Definition of well
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    — Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • The regime’s more rational elements may eventually prevail and reduce tensions.
    — Roya Hakakian, The Atlantic, 10 July 2025
  • Collins’ no vote, in a rational world, made sense for her constituents.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 9 July 2025
Definition of rational
Adjective
  • While union leaders emphasize ethical and safe use, critics raise concerns about data practices, locking students into using AI tools from particular tech vendors, and the lack of robust research on AI’s educational impact.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • Also, smart operational technology (OT) works hand-in-hand with IT which can require a robust foundation of computing, connectivity, data management, and cybersecurity.
    — John England, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of robust

Phrases Containing sound

Browse Nearby Words

soul-searchings
sound
sound bite
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Cite this Entry

“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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