1
as in limit
a real or imaginary point beyond which a person or thing cannot go
the language in the novel really is beyond the bounds of decency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in confines
the line or relatively narrow space that marks the outer limit of something
colored outside the bounds of the drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in to border
to serve as a border for
being bounded on all sides by the Alps has helped Switzerland maintain its neutrality
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in determined
fully committed to achieving a goal
I am bound and determined to write a novel before I turn 30
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bound
Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
Challenge leads to ‘worst case scenario’ After a collision between Malachi Smith and Xavier’s Anthony Robinson in the second half led to the ball going out of bounds and the referees awarding the Musketeers possession under the basket, Hurley decided to challenge.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Aviva Bechky, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2026
Rather than leave, community leaders rallied to defend the site, leading to the creation of Sakura Square and Tamai Tower on the block bounded by Larimer, 20th, Lawrence and 19th Streets.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Vorobok searched the library’s newspaper databases as well as city directories, Sanborn maps and bound editions of the original century-old newspapers, then compiled it all online with the help of the digital services team.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Noun
To prove the full conjecture, the mathematicians had to get even better bounds on the sizes of the gradient’s pieces.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2026
Challenge leads to ‘worst case scenario’ After a collision between Malachi Smith and Xavier’s Anthony Robinson in the second half led to the ball going out of bounds and the referees awarding the Musketeers possession under the basket, Hurley decided to challenge.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The dog first bounded over to his owner, Ryan Pera, to say hi.
—Aviva Bechky, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2026
Rather than leave, community leaders rallied to defend the site, leading to the creation of Sakura Square and Tamai Tower on the block bounded by Larimer, 20th, Lawrence and 19th Streets.
—Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Over that time, galaxies, galaxy groups, and galaxy clusters all formed bound structures.
—Big Think, 27 Oct. 2025
Vorobok searched the library’s newspaper databases as well as city directories, Sanborn maps and bound editions of the original century-old newspapers, then compiled it all online with the help of the digital services team.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bound
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bound
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, Venus Williams, the 45-year-old, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, appears determined to keep trying to win tennis matches at an age when most players have long retired.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
According to the release, 15 participating dogs have special needs, including Wynonna, a determined pup with only three legs; and Eleanor, who is both deaf and vision-impaired.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tillis remained resolute in holding up the president’s Fed chair nomination in protest over a Justice Department investigation of the current one.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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Sports have always represented one of humankind’s most resolute rejections of nihilism.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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But already some of her allies seem intent on shutting down any criticism.—
EGINA GARCIA CANO,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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Birk said the siblings, who will train in Switzerland together for a couple of weeks ahead of qualifiers, are intent on not worrying about factors beyond their control.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bound.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bound. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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