SOUND Synonyms: 330 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 next

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

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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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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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surface

sound

3 of 5

noun (1)

ˈsau̇nd

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

as in logical

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

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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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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

Examples 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

So why do frogs sound so different from each other? —

Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024 Still, Karlsson’s work in the defensive zone has been iffy (sound familiar), and a shaky performance in a 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday drew the ire of Sullivan. —

Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024

Noun

After winning a sound Oscar for Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, editor and sound designer Walter Murch was approached by Disney to discuss projects to direct. —

Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Nov. 2024 The technology, which produces an audible sound if passengers try to board too early, will now be rolled out to more than 100 airports across the United States, according to the airline. —

Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Finally, the researchers were ready to test how sound exposure affected larvae behaviors at reef sites in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park. —

IEEE Spectrum, 20 Nov. 2024 The sound quality is incredible, with deep bass and Apple’s Spatial Audio that tailors the experience just for you by tracking your head movements and adjusting the audio. —

Michael Stefanov, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound

Adjective

These agents, unlike chatbots or copilots, can use logical reasoning and higher-level decision-making to carry out tasks, and are considered the next step in AI development.

Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 19 Nov. 2024
In so many ways, Erivo seems built to take on a song like this, not just in terms of hitting the notes but showing the way the song takes the character’s arc to the next logical step.

David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024