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

The big joke of Meet the Fockers — that Ben Stiller's character had a last name that sounded a lot like an expletive — almost netted it an instant R rating, Stiller recalled Thursday on an episode of Hot Ones. —

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024 Another sprawling ensemble piece that sounds poised to hit some hard truths. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2024

Noun

Clark: Very attentive to the sounds — obsessive about the sounds. —

Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024 Writers commit to intensive sessions where phones are locked away, the internet is blocked and the only sound is the collective tapping of keyboards. —

Jd Barker, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024

Adjective

The physical model was inspired by resonance chambers–a structure that enhances the transfer of energy from a sound source, like the string of a guitar. —

Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024 This is a necessary shift from an era of easy money to one where growth must be earned through sound financial practices and disciplined strategy. —

Frank Sorrentino, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound

Adjective

Like so many other stars on the main roster, ranging from Cody Rhodes to Kevin Owens, The Bloodline has consistently targeted them in a way that makes their quest for revenge quite the logical one.

Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Boston and New York rarely engage in trades, but the deal is a logical one for both sides.

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024