WELL Synonyms: 507 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

well 1 of 4

adverb

Definition of well next

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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Relevance

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as in generously

in a generous manner a warm and gracious host who always treats guests well

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as in masterfully

in a skillful or expert manner she plays the piano very well

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as in kindly

with good reason or courtesy we cannot well get out of going to your cousin's wedding

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as in nicely

in a pleasing way the day went well, despite the rough beginning

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as in perfectly

to a full extent or degree we are well aware that this home renovation is going to be costly

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as in smoothly

without difficulty he can well afford to spare the time

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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

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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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

Examples of well in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

On the red carpet, Gaga turned heads in a black Christian Dior gown with a Philip Treacy headpiece as Polansky paired well in a simple matching suit. —

Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 5 Sep. 2024 The only way this stock overhang issue ends well for TMTG investors is if Trump manages to find a strategic investor in the company willing to acquire his stake in full. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2024

Interjection

Rather than relying on overt emotional displays, Williams employs a minimalist approach that aligns with Reichardt’s austere directorial style (no wonder the duo have worked so often and so well together). —

Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024 Signs point to a shark attack, but Yancy smells something, well, fishy. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 13 Aug. 2024

Noun

Notes: The sugar high is sharp and abrasive, and the caffeine hits once the sugar wears off for stable energy well into the afternoon. —

Pete Cottell, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2024 On Earth, creating wells that reach even a half mile down is a challenge. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Aug. 2024

Adjective

In addition to the state-of-the-art tailgating zone, Cindy and her family received some well wishes from former Jets running back Curtis Martin. —

Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 25 Aug. 2020 Grateful for all the well wishes.... —

Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 10 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for well

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'well.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.