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

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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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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 One of Craig Bartlett’s profoundest childhood memories involves a despondent turtle. — Darryn King, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026 The sentence also recognized the profound impact on the victims and survivors of Saunders’ crimes, Costelloe said. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 After his father’s death, French philosopher Eribon’s trip to his hometown catalyzes a profound meditation on the socioeconomic tensions and disillusionment felt by many young French people. — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 The hotel itself is perched on the edge of the mountainous Arashiyama forest, a verdant expanse with a profound, serene quiet that seems to wrap around the entire property. — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 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
  • Through it all, Pi-o and Jeong-yo’s intense, often tender relationship serves as a throughline, bringing many viewers to question if the Netflix series qualifies as a boys’ love (aka BL) drama.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The Castle of Oia is also lovely—though the sunset-seeking crowds can be intense.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of intense
Adjective
  • But then Mehmet is let go from his job teaching esoteric music practices to university students and the household’s sole steady source of income is gone.
    — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Some say the public backlash to AI, and OpenAI, is partly because messaging from the leading labs can be esoteric, rather than grounded in the day-to-day benefits of AI, and in some cases, downright frightening.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of esoteric
Adjective
  • The sheer math of persuading a majority of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the president to approve a bill is difficult enough.
    — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Vaccarello, whose spring 2027 show marked his 10th anniversary at Saint Laurent, has become a celebrity favorite thanks to his ability to telegraph power and sexuality through sheer, slinky gowns and sharp-shouldered suits with equal measure.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of sheer
Adjective
  • Shamet shot three-of-four from deep for 13 points in 16 minutes, and Clarkson scored seven points in nine minutes.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • With c, the followup to last year’s UNMUSIQUE, Lucy is now two full-length projects deep for deadAir, sporting a new distribution deal with Atlantic and trying to translate their dreamscapes for bigger crowds.
    — H.D. Angel, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of deep
Adjective
  • The Reaveys spent Callum’s early years performing their own intensive physical and speech therapies with him, determined their son would roll over, crawl, and learn to say his name.
    — Deepa Fernandes, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
  • These are intensive oral sessions with examiners that are designed to test quick problem-solving and reveal knowledge depth.
    — Reynald Fasciaux, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of intensive
Adjective
  • In 2024, Michigan State launched Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional prenatal and infant cash program.
    — Mona Hanna, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Once a seller has an unconditional right to receive the proceeds, many planning opportunities may no longer be available.
    — D. Scott Kenik, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconditional
Adjective
  • In the aftermath of City being found guilty of a raft of financial breaches another fierce welcome was expected.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Her fierce survival instincts see her turn the tables on them, transforming their hunt into her own cat-and-mouse game.
    — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fierce
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful fraction of a second when the Villa fans in the Holte End have to adjust from impending despair to utter joy.
    — Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Fall in Europe brings with it brisk temperatures that make sightseeing an utter joy, thinner crowds that leave room for locals, and an opportunity to experience cities in their most authentic light.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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