SOUND Synonyms: 326 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sound 1 of 5

verb (1)

Definition of sound

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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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seem

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

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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

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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sound

2 of 5

verb (2)

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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

surface

sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

ˈsau̇nd

as in hearing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor the horse is getting along in years, but still perfectly sound

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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

At some point, those explanations begin to sound less like a blueprint and more like a broken record. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026 Bathed in cold blue light, QOTSA sounded tight for their late-night spot, appeared lean and mean. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

Beyond lighting and sound, diners noted the importance of comfortable surroundings and thoughtful service. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2026 To focus on the sounds, the venue eschews screens — there are no TVs at the Stomping Ground, and Paquette declined to put in one of those screens that promotes the beer selection. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

Adjective

Studies have found that memories anchored by scents tend to be more emotional and vivid than those associated with sight, sound and even taste. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2026 Twenty years ago, the tests for Bond included full hair and makeup and a full camera and sound crew on a set. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound

Verb

Legal experts have echoed those concerns, noting that relying on the NVRA’s general preamble language to halt state election certification lacks precedent.

— Hugh Son, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Officials in Los Angeles County, who are named as defendants in the federal lawsuit, have echoed Connelly's concerns about the federal government's data.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of echo

Verb

What’s more, dopamine pathways that were traditionally thought to govern pleasure and punishment also seem to be highly involved in prediction.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
And there was a photographer who seemed to be taking an endless number of pictures.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of seem

Verb

Mental health experts have voiced concerns about chatbots’ sycophancy, lack of clinical nuance, and ability to reinforce delusional beliefs.

— Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Trump’s discordant message with one of the top concerns voters are voicing ahead of the midterm elections has seemed heightened by his fixation on beautifying Washington and building a large ballroom at the White House.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of voice

Verb

Another Australian company, NextDC, plunged 40% on Wednesday after the company slashed its annual earnings forecast.

— Ashley Capoot,Jordan Novet,Annie Palmer,Lora Kolodny,Kai Nicol-Schwarz,Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
There had been a temporary improvement but the onset of the Iran war has plunged the country back into crisis.

— Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of plunge

Noun

Taiya Herndon is scheduled to appear for a hearing over the amount of her bail, set at $500,000 to be paid in full, on Thursday.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 25 Oct. 2026
In a September hearing, Judge Davis VanderVelde sentenced Kirkman to 35 years to life for both murders, with the sentences running concurrently.

— Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of hearing

Noun

Moghadam, speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, said that Iranian officials had conveyed their willingness to reopen the strait during visits to Tehran by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Muni r, provided Washington ended its blockade.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Despite the persistent shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Middle East oil flows through the vital strait have recovered to near pre‑war levels according to Kpler.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of strait

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“Sound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sound. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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