well 1 of 4

adverb

Definition of wellnext
1
as in fine
in a satisfactory way our current system for dividing household chores works well, so let's keep it

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in generously
in a generous manner a warm and gracious host who always treats guests well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in masterfully
in a skillful or expert manner she plays the piano very well

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in kindly
with good reason or courtesy we cannot well get out of going to your cousin's wedding

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in nicely
in a pleasing way the day went well, despite the rough beginning

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in perfectly
to a full extent or degree we are well aware that this home renovation is going to be costly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in smoothly
without difficulty he can well afford to spare the time

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

well

2 of 4

interjection

as in oh
how surprising, doubtful, or unbelievable well, that is odd!

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well

3 of 4

noun

ˈwel How to pronounce well (audio)
1
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided his quirkily dysfunctional family proved to be a bottomless well of inspiration for the novelist

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2
as in pool
a small often deep body of water the spot where the spring bubbles up to the surface and forms a deep well

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well

4 of 4

adjective

as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor my mother is quite well, thank you

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word well distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of well are hale, healthy, robust, sound, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When could hale be used to replace well?

While the synonyms hale and well are close in meaning, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

Where would healthy be a reasonable alternative to well?

Although the words healthy and well have much in common, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

In what contexts can robust take the place of well?

The words robust and well are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When is it sensible to use sound instead of well?

In some situations, the words sound and well are roughly equivalent. However, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would wholesome be a good substitute for well?

While in some cases nearly identical to well, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of well
Adverb
This is a plan that works best at the whole family level right now, given the newness of the arrangement, the one grandchild that wasn’t included, and the difficulty of coordinating calendars in general. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026 Defense improved After a rough game against the Tar Heels last week, where UM only got off the field on defense on two of seven drives, Miami did look better at times on Saturday. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Interjection
Fall short, and the wait is costing you, however well the business runs. — Ron Smith, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 This seems like a perfectly reasonable debate/dialogue/deliberation to have without everybody--well, most bodies--running for the exits. — Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
Around a well, beneath a mulberry tree, or at a table crowded with food and strangers, the landscape that seemed so stark and inhospitable reveals an unexpected generosity, preserved in the rituals of those who continue to make the journey here. — Avantika Chaturvedi, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026 In 1853, the Cova de la Font Major was entered through a private well, but only sporadic visits to it are recorded until 1956, when it was explored and surveyed by members of the Centre Excursionista Pirinenc. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
During the memorial service, hundreds of students from Utumishi Girls Academy sang a somber hymn declaring that all shall be well. — ABC News, 12 June 2026 The detox helps remove build up from well water or any kind of minerals. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for well
Recent Examples of Synonyms for well
  1. fine
  2. generously
  3. masterfully
  4. kindly
  5. nicely
  6. perfectly
  7. smoothly
  8. oh
Adverb
  • Even new food is on the menu in a bid to attract customers, with Delta and United debuting a slew of fine-dining dishes ready and waiting to hit the skies.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026
  • This year, previous entries to the list such as The Ledbury—a fine-dining beauty in London, United Kingdom where chef Brett Graham marries British produce, Japanese flavours, and French culinary techniques—returns to the list in the number 83 spot.
    — Nathan Tavares, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of fine
Adverb
  • Entry-level rooms start with traditional kings and doubles, which are generously sized and often include gas fireplaces.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
  • My sister-in-law has again generously invited us to share Thanksgiving with her extended family.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of generously
Adverb
  • Rosalía had no need for a flat shoe, and masterfully walked through the subway grates with her statement high heels while showing off her toned legs with a minimalist all-black minidress.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Videos shared by Nevada’s parents on Instagram show the precocious dynamo masterfully weaving between taller players and delivering powerful kicks driving the ball into the goal.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of masterfully
Adverb
  • In Desai’s case, that meant attempting to stay in the black — a course of action that is not always looked upon kindly.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Radcliffe also kindly declined to offer 12-year-old McLaughlin any pointers about playing Harry.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of kindly
Adverb
  • Towing capacity came in at 7,700 pounds when properly equipped giving consumers the ability to tow campers and work trailers nicely.
    — Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The Sentinel’s progenitor — the Orange County Reporter — leaned hard into the region’s identity, tied inexorably to citrus (which lent itself nicely to the paper’s celebratory beer release with Ten10 Brewing earlier this year).
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of nicely
Adverb
  • Gigi Hadid broke out the trend in corduroy pants form, which is perfectly seasonal with soft and warm fabric paired with a relaxed design.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
  • On the long touchdown catch-and-run, Johnson and Mahomes worked it perfectly.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of perfectly
Adverb
  • The set includes a clear case and four reusable silicone bottles with wide mouths designed to be filled easily and dispense product smoothly without making a mess.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Both students remarked that their voting experiences went smoothly and quickly.
    — Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of smoothly
Interjection
  • Certain movements may aggravate the pain, such as, oh, swinging a golf club.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Some people think, oh, the show’s about true romance, true love conquering it all.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 8 June 2026
Definition of oh

Phrases Containing well

Browse Nearby Words

welkins
well
well-adjusted
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Cite this Entry

“Well.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/well. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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