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
Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
This simultaneously funny and profound musical spins around a teenage girl (the lovable Carolee Carmello) suffering from a rare genetic disease that makes her age five times faster than normal.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Her story showcases a profound passion for design, a solid commitment to quality, and a belief in creating pieces that transcend trends.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Seldom settling for straightforward linearity or conventional structure, the group arranged sophisticated polyrhythms into the aural equivalent of jigsaw puzzles, and juggled scales and time signatures with profound dexterity.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for profound 
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.
Adjective
The rats also taught me something profound one morning during the pandemic.
—Kelly Lambert, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024
This simultaneously funny and profound musical spins around a teenage girl (the lovable Carolee Carmello) suffering from a rare genetic disease that makes her age five times faster than normal.
—Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Her story showcases a profound passion for design, a solid commitment to quality, and a belief in creating pieces that transcend trends.
—Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Seldom settling for straightforward linearity or conventional structure, the group arranged sophisticated polyrhythms into the aural equivalent of jigsaw puzzles, and juggled scales and time signatures with profound dexterity.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2024
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 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share