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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to seem

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to voice

to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion) a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to plunge

to cast oneself head first into deep water a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in healthy

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Nothing could sound, look or feel inauthentic, and that is a direct representation of who Jeff was. —

Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 5 Jan. 2025 After a long day exploring the Big Easy, nothing sounds better than kicking your feet up fireside. —

Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025

Noun

The scene is accompanied by the sounds of uilleann pipes. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025 The active noise cancellation is good, and so is the overall sound quality. —

Anshel Sag, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Adjective

These buds feature Audio-Technica’s usual tuning and sound quality, but there are two main selling points for this latest model. —

Chris Welch, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025 Hosts, producers, account executives, camera operators, sound editors and many other jobs can be eliminated when times are bad, including because subscription and advertising revenue drop when fewer people opt to watch lawfully. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sound

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sound

Adjective

Adding commuters to our less-congested waterways is a logical step.

Terri Carta, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
Khabib Nurmagomedov does nothing visibly wrong, and is therefore asked to leave the plane for no logical reason.

Callum Booth, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025