1
as in esoteric
difficult for one of ordinary knowledge or intelligence to understand
a profound observation about good and evil that few listeners fully grasped
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a profound silence fell over the audience after the last note had sounded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
a profound dislike of frauds and phonies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deep
extending far downward
with eyes wide with disbelief, the explorers made their way through a canyon more profound than any they had ever imagined
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 profound
It’s best experienced within the confines of Shannon’s film, even if that ultimately means many moments of profound discomfort.
—
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
The untethered narrator enacts, to a degree, a welcome fantasy: that the alienation generated inside long marriages and complex parent-child relationships—or intrinsic to living in a fraying social and political world—can both provide inspiration for profound art and also be left behind entirely.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
After spending several hours with staff and patients during a week of celebrations, I was overwhelmed by the profound sense of family and community that defines this extraordinary place.
—Lynn Ricci, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
In 1982, while most game developers were busy with space invaders and maze ghosts, Bill Williams created something far more profound: a game about swimming upstream against impossible odds.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 4 Apr. 2025
The untethered narrator enacts, to a degree, a welcome fantasy: that the alienation generated inside long marriages and complex parent-child relationships—or intrinsic to living in a fraying social and political world—can both provide inspiration for profound art and also be left behind entirely.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
After spending several hours with staff and patients during a week of celebrations, I was overwhelmed by the profound sense of family and community that defines this extraordinary place.
—Lynn Ricci, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2025
In 1982, while most game developers were busy with space invaders and maze ghosts, Bill Williams created something far more profound: a game about swimming upstream against impossible odds.
—ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
Adjective
-
New esoteric spiritual movements had begun sweeping across Europe.—
Jay Cheshes,
Smithsonian Magazine,
28 Mar. 2025
-
While the issue may seem esoteric, the impact is anything but.—
Seth Joseph,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Directed by Shinji Higuchi—known for blending stunning visuals with gripping human drama in works like Shin Godzilla—this panic-suspense thriller follows the intense struggles of those racing to save lives under extreme conditions.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Regional sports networks in general have come under intense pressure as cord-cutting keeps eroding pay-TV subscriptions.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
But sheer athleticism won’t turn him into a celebrity, and his demeanor doesn’t endear him to people—Majors plays Maddox as a sullen and tightly wound outcast whose environment shapes his isolation.—
Hannah Giorgis,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2025
-
But the sheer volume of options in our modern world—especially in digital spheres such as online shopping, streaming services and mobile applications—can overcome the satisfaction of making these choices.—
Uriel Maslansky,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This one from interior designer Kelly Wearstler has four breakfast plates, four bowls, four coffee cups and saucers, four starter plates, four dinner plates, and four deep plates, all ceramic and dishwasher-safe.—
Erika Owen,
Vogue,
5 Apr. 2025
-
Those were the same Rockets that famously ditched the concept of playing traditional centers by trading Clint Capela at the deadline, leaning into small-ball lineups that spaced the floor and launched from deep.—
Shane Young,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This alarming probability briefly landed the asteroid atop impact risk lists maintained by NASA and the European Space Agency, triggering planetary defense discussions and prompting intensive follow-up observations to refine the object's trajectory.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Number Purchased by Readers: 123 Crest 3D Whitestrips Teeth Whitening Kit What to Know: The Crest 3D whitening kit has 44 strips and two more intensive one-hour treatments.—
Toni Sutton,
People.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
His primary goal is providing unconditional love, which research shows sets children up for success broadly defined.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
-
Earlier this week, Trump signed a full and unconditional pardon for Devon Archer, a one-time business partner of Hunter Biden, former President Joe Biden’s son.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The Jackson estate explicitly wanted nothing about Chandler in the film, so fact that the allegations do appear has led to a fierce internal dispute and extensive reshoots, Deadline has confirmed.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2025
-
November 1911 debacle wasn't Curie's first time in the public eye: the French Academy of Sciences had recently turned down her application to join, a decision which came after months of public debate and fierce criticism of Curie in the press.—
Kiona N. Smith,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
And if left untamed, could result in the utter failure of human civilization.—
Agustino Fontevecchia,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Also surprising was the utter lack of any dancing during the 10-minute Dance of the Seven Veils orchestral piece (at least at Friday’s performance).—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share