1
as in echoing
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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2
as in seeming
to give the impression of being
the idea at least sounds plausible
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3
as in voicing
to make known (as an idea, emotion, or opinion)
a person who certainly isn't shy about sounding her opinions
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4
as in announcing
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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1
as in plumbing
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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2
as in plunging
to cast oneself head first into deep water
a whale suddenly surfaced and then, just as suddenly, sounded
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sounding
William Earl, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
Though the choice is ultimately David’s, his wife Pam becomes a critical sounding board.
—Taryn Finley, Refinery29, 18 Aug. 2025
Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Despite the aggressive-sounding title, there's no combat in Lunar Strike.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sounding
Noun
Through a mixture of internet sleuthing, preternatural good taste and a willingness to do whatever is necessary, Matthew quickly elevates his way to becoming a creative and emotional sounding board for Oliver — even as the singer’s entourage increasingly looks at him as a phony.
—Verb
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is sounding the alarm after 26 new measles cases were reported since Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state's latest outbreak to 211.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for sounding
draft
Noun
-
The following spring, the Bills moved up in the draft to select a quarterback who became a cornerstone, and optimism ran high going into 2018.—
-
An earlier draft of a peace plan, which emerged in November and was criticized as being heavily favorable to Moscow, sought to cap Ukraine’s armed forces at 600,000 personnel.—
Cite this Entry
“Sounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sounding. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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