profound

adjective

prə-ˈfau̇nd How to pronounce profound (audio)
Definition of profoundnext
1
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect a profound silence fell over the audience after the last note had sounded

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions a profound dislike of frauds and phonies

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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

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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 These are books that have had such a profound impact on so many people’s lives that there’s this really strong market for early AA books. — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Sullivan believes this program will have a profound impact but cautions that simply planting trees is not the sole solution for making communities safer. — Tara Molina, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026 Celestial events are among the oldest and most profound human experiences of the cosmos, inspiring stories as grand as the sky is wide to explain the marvelous spectacles that arch overhead. — Michael J. Caduto, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 These brief but profound statements spoke directly to the condition of my thought. — Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for profound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for profound
  1. intense
  2. esoteric
  3. sheer
  4. deep
  5. intensive
  6. unconditional
  7. fierce
  8. utter
Adjective
  • These could include intense earthquake swarms, rapid ground deformation, changing gas emissions, and unusual heat flow.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Footage aired by local media showed massive flames and fireballs erupting from the tank, with black and orange smoke rising in the sky as firefighters spray what appears to be foam or water in efforts to quench the intense fire.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • The emphasis on narrative isn’t an esoteric brand aspiration, but a measurable marketing move.
    — Rekha Thomas, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Of course, Yamagata is a long way to go just to peep some jellyfish, so combine a visit with the misty temples of nearby Dewa Sanzan, three mountains sacred to the ascetics of the esoteric Shugendo religion.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of esoteric
Adjective
  • Overall, the effect of both was a really subtle, sheer, wearable eye shadow that enhanced my eyes while still feeling really natural and effortless.
    — Elle Turner, Glamour, 8 Aug. 2026
  • At the vessel level, sheer survival is about to overtop operational efficiency.
    — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Not to be cheated in front of the largest assembly of Hall of Famers since the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Schwarber flew out twice to deep center field.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • His preference for a 4-2-3-1 has been evident, however, and the German is looking for Newcastle to be aggressive in the press, intensive and also direct, with a plan to get the ball forward as quickly as possible.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • If the electricity required to operate the system comes from carbon-intensive sources, some of the benefits of capturing atmospheric CO₂ are lost.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • The letter gave the council 30 days from July 15 to respond with an unconditional commitment, or said the city risks legal action from the resident coalition.
    — Victoria Le, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In the film, what matters is not to reduce him to his trans identity, but to observe how he is received with unconditional love.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • The scores carry over, promising a fierce battle for the national title, with Rivera aiming for multiple championships.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The diggers than turned to keeping themselves and two injured skiers alive amid the fierce blizzard.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • The utter carnage that follows brings major developments for all the main characters still on the chessboard — and many gruesome deaths by dragon fire, boiling oil, spikes and even catapults.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Tense football games tend to leave fans in utter distress, but not John Cena.
    — Adrianne Reece, InStyle, 28 July 2026
Definition of utter

Browse Nearby Words

profligates
profound
profoundly
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Cite this Entry

“Profound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/profound. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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