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

Mayhew, an animal welfare charity recently named one of Meghan Markle's patronages, is going all in on the royal tie-in to help its four-legged charges. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "Meghan Markle's Patronage Mayhew Just Named Kitties After Her, Prince Harry, and Kate Middleton," 31 Jan. 2019 Today, Meghan Markle visited Mayhew, an animal welfare charity, in London. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Meghan Markle’s Rainy Day Dress Costs Less Than $35," 16 Jan. 2019 This time, her visit was to The Mayhew, a charity that promotes animal welfare. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Meghan Markle Wore a $35 H&M Maternity Dress to Visit The Mayhew," 16 Jan. 2019 There are three major provisions for animal welfare in the act. — Kelsey Piper, Vox, "2018’s big wins — and big losses — for animals," 24 Dec. 2018 Much of Foxconn’s journey to Wisconsin played out on the national stage, with President Trump and ousted Gov. Scott Walker touting the deal while critics attacked it as an example of extravagant corporate welfare. — Josh Dzieza, The Verge, "An interview with Reply All’s Sruthi Pinnamaneni," 6 Dec. 2018 The officers tried to enter the house to check on Crystal Hamilton's welfare, but Ronald Hamilton refused to let them in. — Matthew Barakat, Fox News, "Jury hears closing arguments in trial for slain officer," 25 Sep. 2018 The government's difficulty in reuniting migrant children with their parents has caused outrage among immigration and child welfare advocates who warned against separation. — NBC News, "Judge extends deadline as U.S. struggles to reunify migrant families," 9 July 2018 Custody can be either legal, which means that a person has the right to make important decisions about his/her child's welfare, or physical, which means that the child lives with and is raised by that person. — Jennifer Lance, Glamour, "Your Divorce Glossary: A-to-Z Terms You Need to Know," 26 Nov. 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.