well-founded

adjective

well-found·​ed ˈwel-ˈfau̇n-dəd How to pronounce well-founded (audio)
: based on excellent reasoning, information, judgment, or grounds

Examples of well-founded in a Sentence

even a well-founded argument can lead to an erroneous conclusion if one of the premises is incorrect a well-founded complaint about the business's treatment of its customers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
That fear was probably well-founded. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025 One of these targets was to define a sound and well-founded strategy for Calik Denim to become a carbon-neutral company. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Aug. 2025 That confidence proved well-founded. Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025 While these fears may be well-founded, our response should not be to reject crypto altogether, but rather embrace thoughtful policies to mitigate risks, protect consumers, and promote transparency. Jeremy Cooney, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 Olson argued on behalf of The Bee that St. Hope’s judgment that these charges were not well-founded does not justify non-disclosure. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025 Rohloff believes this sentiment is well-founded, especially in sectors like government, finance, and healthcare, where the stakes of data mishandling are existential. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Such concern is well-founded, analysts told ABC News, since small businesses typically lack the financial buffer, supply-chain flexibility and political influence of their larger counterparts. Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 May 2025 With the draft less than a week away, on Monday, and the declaration deadline behind us, that uncertainty was well-founded. Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-founded was in 1608

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Cite this Entry

“Well-founded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-founded. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

well-founded

adjective
well-found·​ed
-ˈfau̇n-dəd
: based on good reasons
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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