welfare

noun

wel·fare | \ ˈwel-ˌfer

Definition of welfare

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity must look out for your own welfare

2a : aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need

b : an agency or program through which such aid is distributed

welfare

adjective

Definition of welfare (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and especially with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups welfare legislation

2 : receiving public welfare benefits welfare families

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about welfare

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Synonyms & Antonyms for welfare

Synonyms: Noun

good, interest, weal, well-being

Antonyms: Noun

ill-being

Examples of welfare in a Sentence

Noun

He wants to do away with welfare. I have your welfare at heart. The welfare of all the orphans was at stake. She donates to organizations concerned about animal welfare.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Germans who accepted less welfare and modest wage increases as the cost of longer-term competitiveness chafe as Greeks try to use German subsidies to avoid those costs themselves. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Euro’s Next 20 Years," 30 Dec. 2018 Here’s a brief rundown of what happened on the animal welfare front in the past year. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "2018’s big wins — and big losses — for animals," 24 Dec. 2018 The mayor of Lakewood, Ray Coles, told the Asbury Park Press that workers from the state child welfare organization have also been in contact with the baby's family. — Travis Fedschun, Fox News, "Baby found crawling across New Jersey road prompts investigation," 24 Sep. 2018 Rachel Dolezal reported to jail on Monday to be booked after pleading not guilty to welfare fraud last month. — Essence.com, "Rachel Dolezal Has Been Booked And Released From Jail Over Welfare Fraud Charges," 3 July 2018 Meanwhile, the coach allegedly broke the law by ignoring requirements to report McDaniels to law enforcement and state child welfare authorities. — Lewis Kamb, The Seattle Times, "Second woman sues former Federal Way basketball star Jalen McDaniels over exploitative videos," 19 Dec. 2018 The new government, a coalition of the antiestablishment 5 Star Movement and the nativist League, swept parliamentary elections last spring after promising more generous welfare and pension policies, as well as tax cuts. — Marcus Walker, WSJ, "Italy Says It Struck a Budget-Deficit Compromise With EU," 18 Dec. 2018 The sharing, by both parents, of the right to make important decisions about their child's welfare. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Your Divorce Glossary: A-to-Z Terms You Need to Know," 26 Nov. 2018 County child welfare officials received a dozen referrals of suspected child abuse about the boy from 2013 until 2016, officials have said. — Elizabeth Zwirz, Fox News, "California mother, boyfriend hit with 'murder and torture' charge in 10-year-old boy's death, officials say," 2 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Even overtly welfare-ish Medicaid payments—originally intended to provide care for poor children—now go largely to long-term care for mainly middle-class elderly. — Eric B. Schnurer, The Atlantic, "'It's the Grandparents Stealing From the Grandchildren'," 12 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'welfare.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.