bounce
14 synonyms and 1 antonym for bounce, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To spring back after hitting a surface, or to move up and down repeatedly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To spring back after hitting a surface, or to move up and down repeatedly.
“The ball bounced off the wall and rolled under the sofa.”
Opposites
How to use bounce
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
bounce off
bounce a cheque
bounce an idea off someone
Etymology
From Middle English bounsen, "to beat or thump," likely imitative of the sound of something striking a surface.
Full origin of bounce →Frequently asked questions
What does “bounce” mean?
The word “bounce” means to spring back after hitting a surface, or to move up and down repeatedly. In plain terms, to spring back off a surface; also used for a cheque that fails to clear, or for testing an idea on someone.
How do you pronounce “bounce”?
“Bounce” is pronounced bowns (/baʊns/ in IPA).
How do you use “bounce” in a sentence?
Here is “bounce” used in a sentence: “The ball bounced off the wall and rolled under the sofa.”
What part of speech is “bounce”?
Depending on how it is used, “bounce” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “bounce” come from?
The word “bounce” comes from Middle English. From Middle English bounsen, "to beat or thump," likely imitative of the sound of something striking a surface.
Is “bounce” a common word?
“Bounce” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “bounce” have?
“Bounce” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to spring back after hitting a surface, or to move up and down repeatedly.
What is the difference between bounce and rebound?
Both describe springing back after hitting a surface, but bounce is the everyday word and can also describe repeated up-and-down movement. Rebound is slightly more formal or technical and usually describes a single deflection, as in sport or physics. Figuratively, people "bounce back" from setbacks, while prices and players "rebound."
